European Stocks Rise as ECB, BoE Hold Rates

2026-04-30 13:35 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

European stocks rebounded Thursday, with the STOXX 50 up 1% and STOXX 600 rising 1.3% as the ECB and BoE held rates steady, and oil prices eased.

The ECB kept options open for future meetings, citing heightened inflation and growth risks, with Lagarde confirming a hike was debated.

The BoE also maintained rates, with Bailey warning a "forceful" response might be needed if the Iran war’s economic impact worsens.

Data showed Eurozone inflation at a 2.5-year high of 3% in April, while Q1 GDP growth slowed unexpectedly.

Earnings drove mixed moves: Rolls-Royce surged 7.3% on maintained guidance, Standard Chartered gained 5% on record profits, and Unilever, Glencore, ArcelorMittal, and Volkswagen rose over 1%.

Meanwhile, Stellantis fell 6.3% on weak revenue, Credit Agricole slid 5%, BNP Paribas dropped 2.6%, Société Générale lost 4%, and Universal Music Group declined 4.6%.

For the month, the STOXX 50 gained 5.5%, while the STOXX 600 rose 4.7%.

European exchanges reopen May 4th.



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