European equity markets were mixed on Thursday, as investors weighed a steady flow of corporate earnings against fresh UK economic data, while also keeping an eye on strong results from TSMC and geopolitical developments involving Greenland and Iran.
On the macroeconomic front, official figures showed that the UK economy rebounded more strongly than expected in November. Gross domestic product expanded by 0.3% on a monthly basis, reversing a 0.1% contraction in October and outperforming forecasts that had pointed to growth of just 0.1%.
Separate data indicated that the UK’s visible trade deficit narrowed slightly to £23.7 billion in November from £24.2 billion a month earlier, although the gap remained wider than the £20.3 billion economists had expected.
In early trading, France’s CAC 40 was down 0.1%, Germany’s DAX edged up 0.1%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 outperformed with a 0.5% gain.
Among individual stocks, Alstom (EU:ALO) advanced after the French rail group secured a contract worth around €500 million to supply 26 additional Coradia Max double-decker trains to Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Württemberg.
Safestore Holdings (LSE:SAFE) also moved higher, following the release of results showing solid operational growth for the year ended 31 October 2025.
Shares in Schroders (LSE:SDR) climbed after the investment manager said it expects full-year 2025 profits to come in ahead of market expectations.
Pub and restaurant operator Mitchells & Butlers (LSE:MAB) also gained ground after reporting a 4.5% increase in like-for-like sales for the first quarter.
In the technology space, Dutch semiconductor equipment supplier ASML (EU:ASML) rallied after TSMC delivered better-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and profit, highlighting continued strength in demand for advanced AI chips.
Elsewhere, Swedbank shares jumped after the US Department of Justice formally closed a long-running investigation into the bank’s historical anti-money laundering controls.
On the downside, UK housebuilder Taylor Wimpey (LSE:TW.) fell after warning that operating profit margins are likely to come under pressure in 2026.
Dunelm Group (LSE:DNLM) shares dropped sharply, as the retailer cautioned that full-year profit is now expected to come in at the lower end of expectations following slower growth in the second quarter.
Swiss plumbing systems specialist Geberit (TG:GBRA) also retreated, despite reporting a 4.4% increase in fourth-quarter sales, as investors focused on broader margin and demand concerns.
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