European equity markets steadied on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that the U.S. Navy could escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to secure maritime trade routes in the Gulf and ease pressure from rapidly rising global energy prices.
The U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) also confirmed it stands ready to provide political risk insurance and guarantees for energy shipments moving through the Gulf region.
Energy markets remain under significant strain. European thermal coal prices have surged to their highest level since October 2023, while European gas exchange prices climbed 11% during the session. Brent crude rose above $83 per barrel after Iran disrupted shipping through a key Middle Eastern oil route.
On the economic front, the HCOB Eurozone Services PMI business activity index increased from 51.6 in January to 51.9 in February, reaching a two-month high and matching market expectations.
Major European benchmarks moved higher, with Germany’s DAX Index rising 1.7%, France’s CAC 40 Index gaining 1.2%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index advancing 0.8%.
Among individual stocks, Dutch semiconductor equipment supplier ASM International (EU:ASM) rallied after lifting its 2026 outlook and announcing a €150 million share buyback program for 2026–2027 following stronger-than-expected net profit in the fourth quarter of 2025.
France’s Dassault Aviation (EU:AM) also climbed after reporting 2025 sales that exceeded forecasts.
In contrast, British homebuilder Vistry Group (LSE:VTY) dropped sharply after revealing that executive chairman Greg Fitzgerald plans to step down within the next year.
Engineering company Weir Group (LSE:WEIR) also declined after reporting a year-over-year decrease in full-year earnings.
Meanwhile, pharmaceuticals and crop protection group Bayer (TG:BAYN) fell after reporting a wider fourth-quarter loss tied to litigation expenses related to its Roundup weedkiller.
Sportswear manufacturer Adidas (TG:ADS) also moved lower following the announcement of changes to its supervisory board.
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