European stock markets showed mixed movements on Wednesday as investors remained cautious ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision expected later in the day.
Market sentiment received some support from declining oil prices despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, including confirmation by Iran’s supreme national security council of the death of its security chief, Ali Larijani.
In early trading, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index slipped 0.1 percent, while Germany’s DAX Index edged up 0.1 percent and France’s CAC 40 Index gained 0.5 percent.
Shares of British insurer Prudential (LSE:PRU) dropped 2.2 percent even after the company reported a 12 percent increase in annual new business profit, raised its dividend and unveiled plans to return $1.3 billion in capital to shareholders in 2027.
Oil and gas producer Ithaca Energy (LSE:ITH) declined nearly 6 percent after one-off charges weighed on its adjusted profit for 2025.
Diploma (LSE:DPLM), which distributes industrial controls, seals and life sciences products, surged 17 percent after raising its guidance for fiscal year 2026.
Barclays (LSE:BARC) shares advanced about 2 percent following the announcement of a new strategic partnership with software company Sage Group.
In France, vaccine developer Valneva (EU:VLA) traded lower after reporting a wider net loss for fiscal year 2025.
Technip Energies (EU:TE) rose 1.4 percent after the energy technology and engineering company announced a share buyback program worth up to 150 million euros.
German hydrogen technology company Thyssenkrupp Nucera (TG:NCH2) fell 8 percent after cutting its full-year outlook.
Meanwhile, meal kit provider HelloFresh (TG:HFG) plunged 7 percent after posting weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter core earnings and issuing a lower profit forecast for 2026.
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