European Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Rebounds and Middle East Tensions Remain in Focus: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

European Markets Advance Despite Ongoing Geopolitical Uncertainty

European equity markets traded modestly higher on Thursday, supported by gains in technology stocks, while oil prices eased even after the U.S. military carried out a second consecutive day of strikes on Iranian targets. President Donald Trump said the latest escalation would be resolved quickly.

U.S. forces reportedly struck around 90 targets across Iran, while Tehran responded with attacks targeting Gulf states.

German Trade Data Beats Expectations

Fresh economic data from Germany provided an additional boost to sentiment.

Official figures showed exports rose 0.9% in May compared with the previous month, defying expectations for a 0.3% decline. The increase was largely driven by stronger shipments to the United States.

Imports, meanwhile, unexpectedly fell 2.5%, reversing April’s 1.1% increase and marking the first monthly decline in four months.

Major European Indices Mixed

France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.5%, while Germany’s DAX gained 0.3%.

The UK’s FTSE 100 underperformed, falling 0.6% as weakness in major energy companies, including BP Plc and Shell, weighed on the index.

Company Movers

French pharmaceutical group Ipsen (EU:IPN) moved higher after reporting positive Phase III trial results for Dysport in migraine prevention.

Bytes Technology Group (LSE:BYIT) also posted strong gains after announcing robust trading during the first four months of its financial year through 30 June.

German wind turbine manufacturer Nordex (TG:NDX1) surged after revealing that second-quarter wind turbine orders increased by almost one-third compared with a year earlier.

Meanwhile, AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) was among London’s biggest decliners after announcing that its experimental drug Wainua failed to achieve its primary objective in a late-stage clinical trial focused on reducing cardiovascular-related deaths.