European Shares Edge Higher
European stocks edged higher on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 gaining 0.2% and the STOXX 600 rising 0.3%, extending the previous session’s gains as investors continued to monitor trade developments.
Sentiment was supported by news that the US has lifted certain chip design export restrictions on China, another sign of easing tensions and a potential trade truce. Semiconductor stocks responded positively, with Siemens up 1.6%, Infineon gaining 2%, and NXP Semiconductors jumping 4%. The US also reached a trade agreement with Vietnam, which includes a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports.
Meanwhile, in the UK, political uncertainty remained in focus. Concerns over Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ future had triggered a bond selloff the previous day. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his support, stating that Reeves will remain in her post as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Source: Trading Economics