European equities moved modestly higher on Monday, kicking off a packed week that features a fresh round of corporate earnings alongside a series of high-impact economic data releases.
By 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX was up 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 had added 0.1%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 was trading 0.2% higher.
UniCredit sets the tone for bank earnings
The European earnings season is gaining momentum, with several large-cap names and major banks due to report in the days ahead. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index is hovering close to record levels, having logged seven positive weeks out of the past eight, as quarterly results have generally been well received.
UniCredit (BIT:UCG) was a standout, after reporting record net profit of €10.6 billion for 2025, representing a 14% increase year on year. Italy’s second-largest lender also outlined ambitious medium-term goals, targeting €13 billion in net profit by 2028 and committing to €30 billion of shareholder returns over the next three years.
The bank has deployed several billion euros from its surplus capital to build significant stakes in Germany’s Commerzbank and Greece’s Alpha Bank, stopping short of full acquisitions but positioning itself as a key shareholder in both institutions.
This week also brings results from Commerzbank (TG:CBK), alongside UK peers Barclays (LSE:BARC) and NatWest Group (LSE:NWG).
Beyond the banking sector, earnings updates are due from a wide range of blue-chip companies, including Koninklijke Philips (EU:PHIA), AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN), TotalEnergies (EU:TTE), Heineken (EU:HEIA), Mercedes-Benz Group (TG:MBG), Siemens (TG:SIE) and L’Oreal (EU:OR).
U.S. data in focus
Away from company results, investors will also be digesting fresh growth figures from both the eurozone and the UK. The main attention, however, is on the United States, where several key economic indicators are due after being delayed by a brief government shutdown.
January’s nonfarm payrolls report and consumer price index data are scheduled for later in the week, and will be closely watched for insight into the resilience of the U.S. economy. The releases follow the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, adding further significance to the data.
Oil prices ease on diplomatic signals
Oil prices edged lower on Monday after the U.S. and Iran agreed to continue negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, easing concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.
Brent crude futures slipped 0.9% to $67.46 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell by the same margin to $62.98 a barrel. Both benchmarks declined by more than 2% last week, marking their first weekly drop in seven weeks, as geopolitical tensions showed signs of cooling.
Officials from both countries said indirect talks held in Oman on Friday would continue, reducing fears of a military escalation in a region that plays a critical role in global oil supply.
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