European market indexes edged lower but market sentiment remained positive ahead of the start of the earnings season. French industrial output rebounded after workers returned from strike. British retail sales rose after inflation lifted prices.
European market indexes extended gains to seven-month highs. France's trade and current account deficit widened in November. The Swiss National Bank reported historic losses in defending its currency from becoming too strong.
European markets accelerated gains after inflation pressures eased and retail sales rebounded in December. The ongoing weakness in energy prices lifted hopes of abating inflation forces in the months ahead.
Germany's trade surplus accelerated in November despite the elevated costs of energy. Italy's inflation eased from a 4-decade high but stayed near the recent peak.
European markets extended gains for the third day in a row after France was the fourth country to report easing of inflation following Germany, Switzerland and Spain.
European stocks closed higher for the second day in a row on the earnings optimism and hopes of peaking inflation. German inflation eased in December and jobless rate held in November.
Four-decade high inflation, ongoing war in Ukraine and unresolved energy crisis sapped market sentiment in Europe in 2022 and benchmark indexes posted the worst losses in four years.
Italy said all passengers arriving from China will be tested for Covid after nearly half of the passengers tested positive on two flights on Wednesday.
Natural gas closed higher and rebounded 10% from the intraday low last seen in January. Stock market indexes erased gains from the previous session after China optimism faded.
European market indexes closed higher following a rise in luxury stocks and resource sector stocks. Natural gas prices dropped to a six-month low on milder weather and ample supply.
French wholesale prices eased but stayed elevated as energy prices remained near multi-year high. UK's automobile production rose for the second month in a row in November.
European markets closed lower tracking losses in New York in holiday-thin trading. UK third quarter GDP contraction was revised higher. Italian wholesale prices accelerated. Russian Ural oil dropped below the cap level.
Benchmark indexes rose between 1.5% and 2.0% on improvement in holiday sales and positive earnings surprises. Natural gas prices fell below €100 per MWh.
European markets closed higher and natural gas prices eased after the European Union approved price cap. Labor market slack remained stable and wage growth in the Euro Area slowed to a one-year low.
