European Stocks Edge Up, Set for Weekly Loss

2026-08-21 07:27 By Agna Gabriel 1 min. read

European stocks rose on Friday, with the Stoxx 50 up more than 0.5% after five consecutive sessions of losses, as global government bonds stabilized following two days of volatile trading.

A softer US dollar supported gold prices, lifting basic resources stocks to the top of the sectoral gainers.

Among major companies, ASML Holding and Banco Santander advanced more than 1%, while L’Oréal fell over 0.5%.

Fresh economic data showed Eurozone business activity continues to rise in August amid stronger manufacturing growth, largely centred on Germany, while the services sector increased modestly.

Oil prices edged lower as markets continued to assess the prolonged US-Iran conflict and its potential impact on energy supplies and inflation.

Despite Friday’s modest recovery, European equities remained on track for a weekly decline, reflecting persistent geopolitical uncertainty, elevated bond yields and concerns over the outlook for monetary policy.



News Stream
European Stocks Edge Up, Set for Weekly Loss
European stocks rose on Friday, with the Stoxx 50 up more than 0.5% after five consecutive sessions of losses, as global government bonds stabilized following two days of volatile trading. A softer US dollar supported gold prices, lifting basic resources stocks to the top of the sectoral gainers. Among major companies, ASML Holding and Banco Santander advanced more than 1%, while L’Oréal fell over 0.5%. Fresh economic data showed Eurozone business activity continues to rise in August amid stronger manufacturing growth, largely centred on Germany, while the services sector increased modestly. Oil prices edged lower as markets continued to assess the prolonged US-Iran conflict and its potential impact on energy supplies and inflation. Despite Friday’s modest recovery, European equities remained on track for a weekly decline, reflecting persistent geopolitical uncertainty, elevated bond yields and concerns over the outlook for monetary policy.
2026-08-21
European Stocks Set for Muted Open
European equity markets were set to open little changed on Friday as investors remained cautious after global bond yields rebounded amid skepticism over the US government’s bond buyback plan. Oil prices also remained elevated as the US prepares sweeping new economic sanctions against Iran, keeping inflation risks in focus. In Europe, investors will assess UK retail sales and French business confidence data, along with manufacturing and services PMI reports from the Eurozone, Germany, France and the UK. In corporate news, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA is seeking to acquire two separate banks in deals worth a combined €34 billion, as it moves to fend off a potential takeover by rival Intesa Sanpaolo SpA. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures hovered around the flatline, with both benchmarks coming off at least five consecutive sessions of losses.
2026-08-21
European Stocks Close Slightly Lower
European stocks closed slightly lower on Thursday amid sharp losses for high-end retailers and lingering macroeconomic headwinds. The Euro STOXX 50 dropped 0.2% to 6,432 and the STOXX Europe 600 inched below the flatline to 651. Luxury companies led the declines amid pessimistic signs on demand for major consumers. Recent retail sales released by China, the world's top luxury consumer, rose less than expected in July. In the US, the outlook on discretionary spending was pressured by a rebound in Treasury yields, a weaker dollar, and increasing inflationary risks. LVMH and Adidas lost 3%, while Hermes fell 2%. Meanwhile, Airbus, Safran, and Rheinmetall dropped around 2% to set the pace for industrial giants. In turn, Intesa Sanpaolo added 0.4% after Banca MPS approved bids for BPM and Banca Generali to fend off the former's takeover attempt.
2026-08-20