European equities opened mainly higher on Thursday, supported by softer US inflation data and renewed strength in technology shares. Arab markets recorded cautious gains as falling oil prices competed with continuing geopolitical uncertainty, while African exchanges produced a more divided performance. Investors remained focused on monetary policy, corporate earnings and the economic effects of instability in the Middle East.
European markets move higher
The pan-European STOXX 600 gained approximately 0.2% in early trading, keeping the index close to its recent record levels. Germany’s DAX advanced around 0.5%, while France’s CAC 40 added approximately 0.2%. Italy’s FTSE MIB and Spain’s IBEX 35 climbed about 0.4% and 0.5% respectively.
London’s FTSE 100 opened slightly lower, slipping around 0.1% despite figures showing that the British economy expanded by 0.4% during the second quarter. Growth was supported by services, consumer spending and activity connected to the World Cup, although weaker manufacturing and construction data limited enthusiasm.
European sentiment benefited from US inflation figures showing that consumer prices rose by 0.1% in July. The result reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates in September. Corporate results also remained influential, with investors assessing updates from energy, industrial and shipping companies.
Arab markets record cautious gains
Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index edged approximately 0.1% higher during early trading, remaining close to 10,844 points. Investors continued to balance resilient activity in the kingdom’s non-oil economy against uncertainty surrounding regional security and energy exports.
Dubai’s DFM General Index gained around 0.7%, supported by property and financial shares, while Abu Dhabi’s benchmark was approximately 0.1% higher. Qatar’s main index added close to 0.4%. Trading remained measured as investors monitored developments involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude fell by approximately 0.5% to around $88.50 a barrel after forecasts pointed to weaker global demand. Lower prices placed some pressure on energy-related shares but offered relief to companies exposed to transport and production costs.
African exchanges show mixed direction
South Africa’s JSE All Share Index fell approximately 0.9% at the opening, with weakness in Naspers, Richemont and financial shares outweighing gains among selected precious-metals producers. Lower gold and copper prices also created pressure across parts of the mining sector.
Nigeria’s All Share Index declined around 1.1%, extending recent volatility after its strong advance earlier in the year. Kenya was broadly unchanged, while Tanzania and Uganda recorded modest gains. Mauritius also moved slightly higher, whereas Tunisia and Namibia opened in negative territory.
Egyptian equities remained comparatively resilient following Wednesday’s 0.4% advance, with the EGX30 trading close to record territory. Across the three regions, Thursday’s opening showed improving global risk appetite, although high energy costs and Middle East uncertainty continued to restrict broader gains.
Newshub Editorial in Europe, Africa and the Middle East – 13 August 2026
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