European equities traded mostly higher on Wednesday after artificial intelligence concerns eased following new partnership announcements from AI startup Anthropic.
The company introduced updated features for Claude Cowork, enabling businesses to integrate the productivity platform across a wide range of enterprise software applications.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index advanced 1.0%, while Germany’s DAX Index gained 0.5% and France’s CAC 40 Index rose 0.4%.
Shares of U.K.-based pharmaceutical group GSK (LSE:GSK) were largely unchanged after the company agreed to acquire biotech firm 35Pharma Inc., which is developing an early-stage treatment for high blood pressure.
Banking giant HSBC Holdings (LSE:HSBA) moved sharply higher after reporting 2025 earnings that exceeded market expectations.
Wind turbine maker Nordex (TG:NDX1) also rallied strongly following better-than-anticipated fourth-quarter results.
Adecco Group (USOTC:AHEXY) shares climbed after the Swiss staffing company said it was experiencing “positive momentum” in hiring activity at the start of the year.
In contrast, Diageo (LSE:DGE) dropped sharply after the spirits producer cut its annual sales outlook for the second time during the current fiscal year.
German healthcare company Fresenius (TG:FME) also declined after issuing a 2026 outlook that disappointed investors.
Leave a Reply