European Stocks Close Sharply Lower

European stocks closed sharply lower on Friday, tracking a negative session for global stocks as a worsening macroeconomic backdrop threatened earnings projections. The Euro STOXX 50 fell 1.5% to 6,229, its lowest in nearly two months, and the STOXX Europe 600 fell 1.2% to 635.3. Natural gas and fuel prices rebounded amid signs of escalation in the Iran war and Saudi Arabia's warning that it does not have enough oil supply for European refineries next month. Sovereign yields rose sharply amid consolidated bets that the European Central Bank will continue to raise interest rates. Credit sensitive sectors hence booked losses, with Santander, BNP Paribas, and Deutsche Bank slipping over 3% each. German automakers also dropped, with Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, and BMW sliding 5% each. On the other hand, global respite for AI infrastructure stocks lifted ASML and Infineon by 1.5% and 2.5%, respectively.

European stocks were slightly lower on Friday, with both the STOXX 50 and the STOXX 600 falling 0.1%, pausing after gains in the previous two sessions, as traders ended a week packed with monetary policy decisions on a cautious note. The Bank of Japan raised interest rates to a 31-year high, as expected. However, two policymakers dissented and voted to keep rates unchanged, raising concerns among investors about whether the central bank will be able to sustain its tightening cycle. Meanwhile, oil prices extended their decline. Telecom, energy, insurance and auto shares were in the red, while technology stocks outperformed. Shell fell 1.2%, Nestle declined 1%, and Allianz lost 1.3%. Orange tumbled nearly 4%, making it the worst performer on the STOXX 600. On the other hand, ASML Holding gained 2.1% and STMicroelectronics rose 2.2%, ranking among the index's top performers. On the week, the STOXX 50 is little changed while the STOXX 600 is up 0.5%.

European equity markets were poised for a subdued start on Friday after posting gains for two consecutive sessions, with investors weighing the latest decisions from major central banks alongside falling oil prices. On Thursday, the Bank of England left interest rates unchanged but cautioned that a prolonged Middle East conflict could force it to tighten policy, while the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan both raised rates this week. Oil prices, meanwhile, extended their decline for a third session as Saudi Arabia worked to restore flows through its East-West pipeline, while President Donald Trump is due to meet with Gulf leaders next week. European markets will also focus on fresh economic data, including Germany’s PPI, UK retail sales and the Eurozone current account, for clues on the region’s economic outlook. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were little changed.