European equities traded mostly in positive territory on Thursday, supported by easing concerns in the bond market while investors looked ahead to U.S. labor market data for further cues.
The pan-European STOXX 600 Index rose 0.5% to 549.31, building on Wednesday’s 0.7% gain. Germany’s DAX gained 0.6% and London’s FTSE 100 advanced 0.2%. In contrast, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2% as markets awaited a confidence vote on the French government in the coming days.
On the economic front, Eurostat reported that Eurozone retail sales fell more sharply than anticipated in July, largely due to weaker demand for food and automotive fuel. Retail sales dropped 0.5% month-on-month, reversing June’s 0.6% rise. Economists had projected a smaller decline of 0.3%.
Among individual movers, Paris-based Nicox rallied after stating it expects to repay all outstanding debt by 2026. U.K. animal genetics group Genus (LSE:GNS) also surged following annual results that showed a 24% increase in adjusted pre-tax profit.
IG Group Holdings (LSE:IGG) gained ground as the online trading platform unveiled a new share repurchase program.
On the downside, budget airline and travel operator Jet2 (LSE:JET2) tumbled after warning its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) would likely come in at the lower end of market expectations.
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