European stock markets showed a stable to slightly positive trend on Thursday following China's introduction of measures aimed at boosting investment in its stock markets.
With significant uncertainty surrounding the potential effects of President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on various countries, market participants were eagerly anticipating his upcoming keynote speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, for further insights.
The pan-European STOXX 600 experienced a slight uptick, reaching 528.32, continuing its momentum after a 0.4% rise which led to a near four-month high on the previous day.
Germany's DAX index increased by 0.2%, building on the 1% surge from Wednesday that concluded at a record high. France's CAC 40 registered a 0.2% gain, while the U.K.'s FTSE 100 remained largely unchanged but showed a slightly positive tendency.
In company news, Puma shares plummeted by 16% after the German sportswear firm announced a cost-reduction strategy following a preliminary report indicating a decrease in operating profits.
Associated British Foods saw a 1.3% decline after revising its sales growth forecast for its Primark discount fashion chain. Swedish hygiene products manufacturer Essity dropped nearly 5% as its fourth-quarter core earnings failed to meet expectations.
Meanwhile, British online trading enterprise IG Group Holdings dipped 2.2% even though it reported a 30% increase in its first-half profits.
Conversely, Sandvik AB enjoyed a 3.5% lift in its share value after posting a modest rise in fourth-quarter net income.
The material has been provided by InstaForex Company -
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