European shares inched higher Thursday, lifted by autos and miners, as investors awaited the European Central Bank's rate decision.
The STOXX 600 rose 0.2%, supported by gains in industrial metal miners and automakers. Miners climbed 0.6% on strong copper prices, while automakers rebounded 0.5% after recent losses.
Caution prevailed ahead of the ECB’s expected 25-basis-point rate cut. Germany’s tax relief package had boosted sentiment the previous day.
Trade uncertainty lingered with no progress following U.S. President Trump’s trade negotiation deadline. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed a planned 5% GDP defense spending target for NATO members.
Defense stocks slipped, with the index down 0.3%. Eutelsat fell 13% after Hanwha Systems moved to sell its stake, and Wizz Air dropped 22% on weak profit results.
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