European equities traded in a narrow range Thursday as investors assessed regional economic indicators and corporate results, ahead of key U.S. inflation figures later in the session.
At 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX edged up 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 added 0.2%, while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.2%.
U.K. Growth Exceeds Expectations
Investors paused after recent gains to digest fresh data on economic performance. The U.K. economy expanded 0.3% in Q2 2025, exceeding the Bank of England’s 0.1% forecast, though this marked a slowdown from the 0.7% growth in Q1. On a monthly basis, June saw GDP rise 0.4%, above the anticipated 0.1%, following declines in April and May.
Eurozone Q2 GDP figures are expected later Thursday, with forecasts pointing to modest 0.1% growth, a slowdown from the 0.6% recorded in Q1. Meanwhile, U.S. producer price data for July will be watched closely, especially after recent mild consumer inflation, which has raised speculation of a potential Federal Reserve rate cut in September.
Corporate Earnings Spotlight
Several companies released results Thursday.
- Carlsberg (TG:CBGB) missed half-year profit and volume targets, signaling a challenging consumer backdrop for the remainder of 2025.
- RWE (TG:RWE) reported weaker-than-expected H1 earnings due to lower wind generation and difficult energy trading conditions.
- Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) saw H1 core earnings surge nearly 60%, boosted by higher copper production and sales.
- Swiss Re (TG:SR9) exceeded expectations on net income, aided by lower catastrophe claims, stronger underwriting margins, and increased investment returns.
- Lanxess (BIT:1LXS) lowered its full-year profit guidance, citing weak demand and no anticipated improvement in the economic environment.
- Hapag Lloyd (TG:HLAG) posted a 3.1% drop in H1 net income and revised down the top end of its full-year earnings outlook, citing ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
Oil Prices Rebound Amid Geopolitical Focus
Crude oil recovered slightly from recent losses ahead of a Friday meeting between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. At 03:05 ET, Brent futures rose 0.7% to $66.06 per barrel, while WTI climbed 0.7% to $63.06 per barrel.
Both contracts had hit two-month lows Wednesday after U.S. crude inventories rose unexpectedly by 3 million barrels, stoking concerns over demand as the summer driving season ends. Traders are also closely watching the Alaska summit between Trump and Putin, aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Trump warned Wednesday of “severe consequences” if Putin does not agree to peace, though specifics were not provided, echoing previous threats of economic sanctions.
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