Mining companies headed lower after a lack of progress in China following the previously announced stimulus measures. Banks declined following the weakness in the euro and persistent political turmoil in France and Germany. Vehicle makers headed lower amid rising prospects of higher U.S. tariffs.

Serco Group reiterated its annual outlook. Skanska AB sold its multi-family rental company in Denmark. SoftwareOne AG agreed to acquire Norway-based Crayon Group Holding using a combination of cash and its stock.

Honda and Nissan initiated merger talks amid the rapidly changing global landscape for automobile companies. Kingfisher sold its operations in Romania. ASSA ABLOY completed one more acquisition in the U.S.

Energy explorers extended six-month losses tracking weak crude oil prices amid supply glut worries and falling demand growth from key customers in Asia. Thyssenkrupp Nucera reported strong fiscal fourth quarter results.

Porsche Automobil withdrew its 2024 earnings outlook. Ricardo PLC acquired the Australia-based E3 Advisory. Vivendi soared after it completed the spinoff of its media and publishing units.

French banks and financial services remained in focus as President Macron struggled to appoint the next prime minister. Tullow Oil may be a subject of a takeover offer from a U.S.-based company. Munich Re and Swiss Re set higher profit targets in 2025. 

SThree plunged following an earnings warning. Bodycote PLC expanded its stock repurchase plan. Currys PLC reiterated its annual outlook and reported a narrower loss in the first half.



The parent company of Zara, Inditex, reported weaker-than-expected third quarter results but signaled a strong start to the holiday season sales. Bilfinger launched a new stock buyback plan. Zalando SE agreed to acquire About You Holding.

Centrica plc expanded its stock repurchase plan. Delivery Hero completed the public offering of its Middle Eastern unit. Ashtead plans to move its stock listing to New York from London.

French banks and stocks extended gains for the fifth session in a row amid hopes of a quick resolution to the current political chaos. Direct Line recommended a revised offer from Aviva plc.

Safran SA released financial targets for 2025 and stock repurchase plans over the next three years. Frasers Group tightened its full-year profit outlook. Future plc announced a new stock buyback plan.

French banks remained in focus for the second week amid rising political instability in France. German vehicle makers rebounded, but worries of shrinking sales dominated market sentiment.

Assa Abloy acquired four companies in the last five weeks. Hg Capital Trust agreed to sell the bookkeeping automation platform provider. French banks struggled amid growing political uncertainty. Semiconductor-related stocks rebounded after the U.S. announced additional China trade restrictions with exceptions for key allies. 

Aviva PLC has about a month to make a final binding bid to acquire Direct Line Insurance or walk away from its hostile offer. Delivery Hero set the initial public offering price for its Middle Eastern unit at the top end of its filing range.



Heidelberg Materials agreed to acquire the U.S.-based Giant Cement and its subsidiaries. Volkswagen said it plans to close its factory and other facilities in Xinjiang, China. Air France KLM is exploring acquiring a minority stake in Air Europa. 

French banks plunged between 2% and 4% amid rising political turmoil and budget disputes. easyJet reported higher annual operating profit following a record summer travel season. Johnson Matthey PLC reported a decline in sales and earnings in the six-month period.