European stock markets traded mostly higher on Wednesday as investors assessed UK inflation figures, corporate earnings announcements and developments in energy markets.
Gains were moderated by higher oil prices following comments from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who said the United States must end its threats and pressure, reduce pressure in the region and remove economic sanctions before negotiations could take place.
Economic data from the UK showed that annual consumer price inflation increased to 3.5% in September from 3.1% in August, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The reading exceeded economists’ forecast of 3.4% and marked the highest rate since October of the previous year.
Core inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, rose to 2.8% from 2.6% in August. Separate government figures indicated that the UK’s budget deficit widened by more than economists had anticipated in September.
Among the main European indices, Germany’s DAX gained 0.9%, while France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.7%. The UK’s FTSE 100 recorded a smaller increase of 0.1%.
Corporate announcements contributed to movements in individual shares across the region.
German sportswear manufacturer Adidas (TG:ADS) traded higher after increasing its full-year profit guidance.
Shares in property company Aroundtown (TG:AT1) also advanced following an announcement that its subsidiary, Grand City Properties SA, had acquired a 20.04% interest in German residential landlord LEG Immobilien SE (TG:LEG). LEG Immobilien shares rose 3.3%.
Recruitment group Randstad (EU:RAND) gained after reporting third-quarter results above market expectations and indicating an improvement in trading trends.
Medical technology company Getinge (TG:GTN) advanced after its third-quarter profit exceeded analysts’ forecasts.
Spanish electricity group Iberdrola (TG:IBE1) moved higher after raising its annual profit target for the second time this year.
Eurofins Scientific (EU:ERF), which provides laboratory testing and analytical services, also recorded gains after reaffirming its financial objectives for 2027.
Elsewhere, Aberdeen (LSE:ABDN) shares declined in London despite the investment manager reporting that assets under management and administration had increased by 4% at the end of September compared with the end of 2025.
French payments company Edenred (EU:EDEN) fell after reducing its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) guidance for 2026.
Swedish industrial group SKF also traded lower despite reporting improved third-quarter profit and margins.
The trading session reflected a combination of UK economic developments, company-specific earnings announcements and uncertainty surrounding energy prices, with investors continuing to assess the implications for European businesses and financial markets.
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