European Stocks Kick Off August Higher

2026-08-03 07:45 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

European stocks started August on a positive note, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.9% and the STOXX 600 gaining 0.3%, as investors prepared for a fresh round of corporate earnings and welcomed lower oil prices after US President Donald Trump said new US-Iran talks would begin on Monday.

Airlines led the gains, with Lufthansa (+3.8%) and Ryanair (+3.3%) among the top performers.

Airbus (+3.2%), SAP (+3.7%), and Safran (+3.2%) also advanced, while Worldline surged nearly 7% to top the STOXX 600, extending Friday's strong rally.

On the downside, AstraZeneca tumbled more than 6% following reports that it was in merger talks with Bristol Myers Squibb on a potential $400 billion deal.

Energy stocks also came under pressure as oil prices declined, with Eni (-2.2%), TotalEnergies (-1.8%), and Shell (-1.1%) all trading lower.



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European Stocks Kick Off August Higher
European stocks started August on a positive note, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.9% and the STOXX 600 gaining 0.3%, as investors prepared for a fresh round of corporate earnings and welcomed lower oil prices after US President Donald Trump said new US-Iran talks would begin on Monday. Airlines led the gains, with Lufthansa (+3.8%) and Ryanair (+3.3%) among the top performers. Airbus (+3.2%), SAP (+3.7%), and Safran (+3.2%) also advanced, while Worldline surged nearly 7% to top the STOXX 600, extending Friday's strong rally. On the downside, AstraZeneca tumbled more than 6% following reports that it was in merger talks with Bristol Myers Squibb on a potential $400 billion deal. Energy stocks also came under pressure as oil prices declined, with Eni (-2.2%), TotalEnergies (-1.8%), and Shell (-1.1%) all trading lower.
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