European Stocks Close Higher
European stocks rose on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 up 0.7% and the STOXX 600 up 0.2%, as investors weighed progress in trade talks between the U.S. and its major trading partners, while looking to the ECB forum for signals on the central bank’s policy outlook for the rest of the year.
U.S. President Trump reiterated that he would not delay a July 9 deadline for resuming higher tariffs, reiterating his threat to end talks and impose new duties on several countries, including Japan. Also, a deal was announced with 20% tariffs on Vietnam.
Meanwhile, recent comments from several ECB officials highlighted growing concerns over the strength of the euro and its potential dampening effect on inflation. Among sectors, banks, oil and gas, basic resources, and autos led gains, while real estate lagged. On the corporate side, LVMH (+4.2%), BMW (5%), and Glencore (5.2%) rose. Santander rose 2.2% after acquiring TSB for EUR 3.1 billion. (alg)
Source: Trading Economics