Stocks Fall in Europe Ahead of ECB Rate Decision

Image Credit: Reuters

European stocks were mixed on Thursday as investors analyzed corporate earnings to assess the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies, while also awaiting the European Central Bank's (ECB) policy decision later in the day.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index dipped 0.4% as of 0712 GMT, with no significant escalation in the trade conflict providing some relief and helping the index gain 4% for the week.

Investors were cautious ahead of the long Easter weekend, including Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Shares of France’s Hermes fell 4% after the luxury goods company missed quarterly sales expectations, joining rival LVMH, which also reported lower-than-expected sales earlier this week.

The ongoing tit-for-tat tariffs from Trump’s trade war have raised concerns about global growth, leading to market volatility similar to the COVID-19-induced downturn in March 2020.

The ECB’s rate decision is scheduled for 1215 GMT, with markets widely expecting a rate cut to support a struggling economy amid tariff uncertainties. 

Siemens Energy surged 10% after raising its profit outlook for the year following its best margin since spinning off from Siemens. This helped Germany’s benchmark index outperform its European peers.

 

 

 

 

 

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