European Markets Rise on Hopes for U.S.-EU Trade Deal

European equities extended gains for a fourth day on Thursday, fueled by growing optimism around a potential trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic indicated significant progress toward a trade framework, suggesting a deal could be reached within days.

In economic news, Germany’s inflation rate eased to its lowest level in eight months in June, confirming earlier estimates. According to final figures from Destatis, falling energy costs and a slowdown in food price increases helped bring consumer price inflation down to 2.0% in June from 2.1% in May—a level not seen since October 2024.

Among European indices, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 gained 1.0%, while France’s CAC 40 rose 0.3%, and Germany’s DAX hovered just above flat.

On the corporate front, Nordex SE (TG:NDX1) climbed after reporting robust second-quarter order intake totaling 2.3 GW. DCC (LSE:DCC), a provider of sales and marketing support services, also advanced following a first-quarter operating profit in line with market expectations.

Jupiter Fund Management (LSE:JUP) saw shares jump after announcing its agreement to acquire U.K.-based asset manager CCLA, which focuses on non-profit sector clients.

WPP (LSE:WPP), the global advertising and communications giant, gained momentum after appointing Cindy Rose from Microsoft as its new CEO.

Conversely, Barry Callebaut AG (TG:BCLN) shares declined after the chocolate manufacturer lowered its sales volume forecast for the second time in three months, citing ongoing volatility in cocoa bean prices.

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