European equities pushed higher for a fourth straight session on Friday, buoyed by stronger-than-expected German industrial data that signaled improving domestic demand.
Germany’s federal statistics office reported that factory orders increased 1.5% in October, outpacing economists’ expectations for a modest 0.3% rise. Although the gain slowed from September’s upwardly revised 2.0% jump, it still marked a solid monthly performance. Year over year, orders were down 0.7%, improving from September’s 3.4% decline.
Eurozone data also offered a positive surprise. Revised figures from Eurostat showed that the currency bloc’s economy expanded faster than initially reported in the third quarter, supported by firmer government spending and investment. GDP rose 0.3% quarter-on-quarter, compared with a 0.1% increase in the previous quarter and an earlier estimate of 0.2%.
Investors now turn their attention to key U.S. inflation readings due later Friday, which may influence the Federal Reserve’s policy decision in the coming week.
By late morning, the DAX in Germany climbed 0.9%, the CAC 40 in France added 0.3%, and the FTSE 100 in the U.K. edged up 0.1%.
In corporate news, Ocado (LSE:OCDO) rallied sharply after announcing it will receive a $350 million one-off cash payment from Kroger, following the U.S. retailer’s decision to close three automated fulfillment centers and pull back on a planned site in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Airbus (EU:AIR) also traded higher in Paris after revealing it delivered 72 aircraft in November.
Meanwhile, Swiss Re (TG:SR9) slumped, with shares under pressure after the reinsurer outlined its financial targets for 2026.
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