European Stocks Close Higher

2026-03-25 16:58 By Andre Joaquim 1 min. read

European equities closed firmly higher on Wednesday, extending their rebound this week as signs that the US aims to de-escalate the conflict with Iran dimmed concerns of energy-fueled inflation.

The Eurozone's STOXX 50 gained 0.6% to 5,627 and the pan-European STOXX 600 jumped 1.2% to 586.

The US outlined points for a ceasefire with Iran, which was rejected by Tehran, but the signal that Washington aims to ease the conflict and prioritize economic health by lower energy prices supported risk assets across the globe.

Banks led the rebound as the support for European government bonds eased concerns of weaker balance sheets, lifting ING, Deutsche Bank, Santander, and BBVA by over 2%.

Industrial companies and chemicals producers also rose as a fourth straight session of decline in natural gas prices aided their margin outlooks, with Schneider, BASF, and Siemens Energy gaining between 4.5% and 2.5%.

Also, Grifols rose 1.5% as it will IPO its US biopharma business.



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European Stocks Close Higher
European equities closed firmly higher on Wednesday, extending their rebound this week as signs that the US aims to de-escalate the conflict with Iran dimmed concerns of energy-fueled inflation. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 gained 0.6% to 5,627 and the pan-European STOXX 600 jumped 1.2% to 586. The US outlined points for a ceasefire with Iran, which was rejected by Tehran, but the signal that Washington aims to ease the conflict and prioritize economic health by lower energy prices supported risk assets across the globe. Banks led the rebound as the support for European government bonds eased concerns of weaker balance sheets, lifting ING, Deutsche Bank, Santander, and BBVA by over 2%. Industrial companies and chemicals producers also rose as a fourth straight session of decline in natural gas prices aided their margin outlooks, with Schneider, BASF, and Siemens Energy gaining between 4.5% and 2.5%. Also, Grifols rose 1.5% as it will IPO its US biopharma business.
2026-03-25
European Stocks Gain More than 1%
European stocks moved higher on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 rising 1.5% and the STOXX 600 gaining 1.2%, supported by a broadly positive market tone amid hopes that the conflict with Iran could ease soon. US President Donald Trump said Washington was negotiating with Tehran and suggested that Iran is willing to reach a peace agreement, although Iranian authorities have denied engaging in direct talks. Trump also noted that he had stepped back from his recent threat to order strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure “based on the fact that we’re negotiating”. Oil prices fell by around 6% in response. All sectors ended in positive territory, with industrials and technology stocks leading the gains. ASML Holding (2.7%), HSBC Holdings (1.8%), Novartis (1.5%), SAP (1.4%) were booking strong gains. Also, Grifols surged more than 7% to top the STOXX 600 after the company’s board approved an IPO of its US biopharma business, aiming to raise capital and reduce debt.
2026-03-25
European Stocks Head for Higher Open
European equity markets were set for a higher open on Wednesday as optimism grew over a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict following reports that the US was pursuing talks with Iran. The New York Times reported that Washington had sent Iran a 15-point proposal to resolve the conflict, while Israeli media indicated that the US was seeking a one-month ceasefire to facilitate negotiations. Additional reports suggested that the US and regional mediators are discussing the possibility of holding peace talks with Iran as soon as Thursday, though they are still awaiting a response from Tehran. Oil prices declined on these developments, offering relief to equities that had been pressured by concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes. Meanwhile, investors will focus on UK inflation data and German business confidence figures. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures rose 1.1% and 0.9%, respectively.
2026-03-25