European stocks opened mixed on Thursday, as investors assessed a combination of earnings reports, shifting bond yields, and cautious central bank commentary ahead of key US economic data later in the day.
Cautious start across major indices
London’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.3% in early trading, weighed down by losses in the mining and energy sectors, while Frankfurt’s DAX index traded 0.2% higher, supported by gains in technology and automotive shares. In Paris, the CAC 40 was broadly flat, hovering near 7,050 points as investors balanced corporate earnings optimism with ongoing concerns about consumer spending and inflationary pressures.
Corporate updates drive sector movements
Earnings reports remained a major focus. Dutch chipmaker ASML rose 1.4% after reaffirming its 2025 revenue guidance, suggesting continued demand resilience despite a soft semiconductor cycle. Conversely, oil major Shell fell 1.1% following a dip in quarterly profits tied to weaker refining margins and natural gas prices. Banking stocks also traded lower, with BNP Paribas down 0.7% amid thin trading volumes.
Inflation and policy outlook in focus
Investors continue to parse recent comments from European Central Bank officials indicating that interest rates are likely to remain unchanged “for a prolonged period” as policymakers gauge whether inflation is truly converging toward the 2% target. Bond yields across the eurozone edged lower, with the German 10-year Bund yield falling 2 basis points to 2.42%.
Global sentiment remains fragile
Overnight, Asian markets ended mixed as weak Chinese export figures contrasted with strong Japanese tech performance. Futures in the US pointed to a mildly higher open ahead of new jobless claims and productivity data, which could influence expectations for the Federal Reserve’s December meeting.
Currency and commodity reactions
The euro traded steady at $1.086 against the US dollar, while sterling held near $1.273. Brent crude hovered just above $82 a barrel, recovering slightly after Wednesday’s 2% decline. Gold remained stable around $2,355 an ounce as investors maintained a defensive stance amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 6 November 2025
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