Category: Top Story

European equities pushed higher on Friday, regaining ground after ending the previous session largely in negative territory.

Germany’s DAX advanced about 0.5%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.2% and France’s CAC 40 edged 0.1% higher as investors weighed fresh economic data alongside company-specific news.

On the macro front, figures from Destatis showed German industrial production fell sharply in December, sliding 1.9% month on month after a 0.2% increase in November. The decline was significantly steeper than expectations for a modest 0.2% drop. On an annual basis, output contracted by 0.6%, reversing a 0.5% rise recorded the previous month.

In France, data from the customs office indicated a widening trade gap at the end of the year. The country’s foreign trade deficit increased to €4.8 billion in December from €4.0 billion in November, exceeding forecasts for a shortfall of around €4.1 billion, as imports outpaced exports.

At the stock level, Vinci (EU:DG) shares jumped after the infrastructure and construction group reported full-year results that exceeded market expectations. Vinci posted net income attributable to shareholders of €4.90 billion for 2025, or €8.65 per share, up from €4.86 billion, or €8.43 per share, a year earlier.

By contrast, Metlen Energy & Metals (LSE:MTLN) came under heavy pressure after warning that its 2025 EBITDA is now expected to be around 25% lower than previously targeted, despite what it described as solid performance across its core business divisions.

European stock markets were mostly weaker on Friday, with investors continuing to digest a heavy run of corporate results as a packed week—featuring major central bank decisions—neared its end. By mid-morning, Germany’s DAX was up 0.3%, while France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.3% and the UK’s FTSE 100 eased 0.2%.

Earnings remained the main focus across the region, with updates from several large-cap names shaping sentiment. Shares in Stellantis (BIT:STLAM) dropped sharply after the carmaker announced it expects to book around €22.2 billion in charges as it scales back its electric vehicle strategy in response to softer demand. The group said the bulk of the write-downs relate to revisions to its product roadmap, reflecting much lower assumptions for EV sales. Following the reset, Stellantis now anticipates a net loss of €19–21 billion in the second half of 2025 and confirmed that dividend payments will be suspended.

Elsewhere in the banking sector, Société Générale (EU:GLE) lifted its profitability target for the year after reporting a stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter performance, supported by higher revenues and tighter cost control. In Italy, utility group Enel (BIT:ENEL) said its 2025 ordinary net income came in slightly above the top end of guidance at €6.90 billion, ahead of a capital markets day scheduled for later this month.

Other notable movers included weight-loss drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO), whose shares rose after the US Food and Drug Administration warned it could take action against “illegal copycat drugs.” In the mining sector, Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN) confirmed late Thursday that they had ended discussions over a potential megamerger that would have created the world’s largest mining company.

On the macro front, fresh data underlined the uneven nature of Germany’s economic recovery. Exports jumped 4.0% month on month in December, well ahead of expectations for a 1% rise, but industrial production disappointed, falling 1.9% over the same period. In the UK, figures from mortgage lender Halifax showed house prices rose 0.7% in January and were 1.0% higher than a year earlier.

Central banks were also in focus, with both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England leaving interest rates unchanged on Thursday, in line with market expectations.

In commodities, oil prices edged higher on Friday but remained on track for their first weekly decline in almost two months. Brent crude rose 1.3% to $68.43 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 1.4% to $64.20. Despite the rebound, Brent was heading for a weekly loss of 3.3% and WTI for a drop of 1.8%, as traders weighed the outcome of US-Iran talks scheduled for later in the day.

Markets have been hopeful that discussions between Washington and Tehran could help ease tensions in the Middle East and reduce the risk of wider conflict. That optimism has led investors to strip some geopolitical risk premium out of crude prices this week, despite Iran’s status as a major oil producer and its proximity to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

UK equities opened lower on Friday, extending losses from the previous session, while sterling strengthened against the dollar and European markets weakened on the back of disappointing earnings. The FTSE 100 was down around 0.5% by mid-morning, while the pound rose 0.2% to roughly $1.357. Across Europe, the STOXX 600 slipped 0.2%, Germany’s DAX edged up 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 fell 0.7%, reflecting uneven regional sentiment.

Elsewhere in Europe, shares in Stellantis NV plunged more than 18% after the carmaker disclosed around €22.2bn of charges for the second half of 2025, adding to broader pressure on equity markets.

In UK corporate news, Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) confirmed it is no longer considering a merger or business combination with Glencore (LSE:GLEN). The decision brings an end to speculation over a potential tie-up as major miners position themselves for strategic shifts in 2026. Analysts note that, even without a deal, the sector is expected to pursue portfolio reshaping and other strategic moves as critical minerals such as copper, gold and lithium take on greater importance in national security and energy transition strategies.

Shares in Victrex (LSE:VCT) fell more than 7% after the company reported a 6% year-on-year decline in first-quarter revenue. Victrex posted revenue of £62.4m for the three months to 31 December 2025, compared with £66.6m a year earlier. Sales volumes fell 4% to 858 tonnes, while average selling prices eased 2% to £73 per kilogram, reflecting softer demand across several end markets.

HgCapital Trust (LSE:HGT) reported a net asset value per share of 561.9p at 31 December 2025, delivering a 2.2% return for the fourth quarter. The trust said its portfolio companies achieved last-twelve-months revenue growth of 17% and EBITDA growth of 20% as of the end of November, with the EBITDA margin improving slightly to 34%.

On the macro front, the Bank of England voted 5–4 on Thursday to keep interest rates unchanged, striking a more dovish tone that has shifted some market expectations toward a possible rate cut as early as March, although consensus still points to the second quarter. Markets are finding it difficult to fully price in two 25 basis point cuts this year, with political uncertainty also in focus. Analysts at ING said sterling could come under pressure, with EUR/GBP supported around the 0.8670–0.8680 area and a bias toward 0.88 over the coming month.

European equity markets showed mixed performance on Thursday as investors assessed overnight declines on Wall Street alongside a fresh wave of corporate earnings releases, while attention remained fixed on upcoming monetary policy announcements from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.

At 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX index slipped 0.2% and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 declined 0.4%, while France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.6%.

Corporate results dominate market focus

Global investor sentiment has been pressured by growing concerns over the escalating costs tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure, which contributed to a sharp sell-off in U.S. technology shares overnight and losses across major Asian markets earlier in the day.

Alphabet signalled late Wednesday that its capital expenditure could potentially double this year, reflecting another significant increase in spending by Google’s parent company as it expands investment to overcome computing capacity limitations and strengthen its position in the AI sector.

Meanwhile, European investors continued reviewing earnings from several major regional corporations.

Energy giant Shell (LSE:SHEL) reported adjusted earnings of $3.26 billion for the fourth quarter, representing a decline from $3.7 billion recorded a year earlier and marking the company’s weakest quarterly performance in nearly five years.

Danish shipping group Maersk (TG:DP4A) announced fourth-quarter operating profit broadly aligned with market expectations but warned that declining freight rates, combined with ongoing industry pressures, could negatively impact earnings in 2026.

BNP Paribas (EU:BNP) lifted its profitability targets for 2028 after fourth-quarter profit climbed 28%, with France’s largest bank expecting structural cost savings and a supportive interest rate environment to accelerate future earnings expansion.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (LSE:BVA) reported net profit of €2.53 billion for the fourth quarter, representing a 4% increase from €2.43 billion a year earlier, supported by loan growth in Spain and Mexico that helped offset higher credit provisions.

Siemens Healthineers (TG:SIE) posted strong first-quarter results, with robust demand for imaging technology and cancer treatment equipment helping to offset weaker performance in its diagnostics division and the impact of currency fluctuations.

ECB and BOE policy decisions in focus

Outside the corporate sphere, German industrial orders increased 7.8% in December compared with the previous month, significantly outperforming expectations for a 2.2% decline.

The European Central Bank is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at 2% later in the day, marking a fifth consecutive meeting without a rate adjustment. However, the sharp decline in eurozone inflation during January may present new challenges for policymakers.

Recent data showed eurozone consumer price inflation slowed to 1.7% year-on-year in January, down from 1.9% in December.

Similarly, the Bank of England is expected to hold its benchmark rate steady at 3.75% later in the session, with analysts pointing to persistent inflation risks despite signs of softening labour market conditions.

Oil prices fall as U.S.-Iran talks ease supply fears

Crude oil prices dropped sharply on Thursday after the United States and Iran agreed to hold diplomatic talks in Oman on Friday, easing concerns about potential military escalation that could disrupt energy supply in the region.

Brent crude futures for April delivery fell 1.5% to $68.39 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude declined 1.6% to $64.10 per barrel.

Both oil benchmarks had climbed roughly 3% on Wednesday amid concerns that negotiations between the United States and Iran might collapse.

Despite the planned discussions, uncertainty remains, with concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump could still proceed with previously issued threats to strike Iran, the fourth-largest oil producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, potentially triggering broader instability in the region.