European stock markets edged higher on Thursday (14 May) as technology shares boosted sentiment, although investors remained cautious over stalled U.S.-Iran talks and a closely watched summit between Washington and Beijing.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.4 per cent to 613.98 points by mid-morning trading, building on Wednesday’s 0.8 per cent gain. Germany’s DAX climbed 1.2 per cent, while Britain’s FTSE 100 was broadly flat despite stronger-than-expected economic data showing the UK economy expanded by 0.3 per cent in March.
Trading activity remained subdued, with several European markets closed for public holidays.
Markets are balancing optimism around artificial intelligence with fears of wider instability in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to press China to help end the Iran conflict after negotiations between Tehran and Washington stalled.
“We await the developments in China. But really the focus is on AI,” said Frédérique Carrier, head of investment strategy at RBC Wealth Management. “All eyes are on the Middle East crisis for that to really be resolved.”
Technology stocks were among the strongest performers. Europe’s technology index gained 1 per cent, helped by semiconductor companies including STMicroelectronics, ASM International, BE Semiconductor Industries and Infineon Technologies, which rose between 1.4 per cent and 2.8 per cent.
The rally reflects growing confidence that companies linked to AI and data centres will continue to benefit from heavy investment. However, European shares remain below the levels seen before the outbreak of the Iran conflict, while U.S. markets have already returned to record highs.
Carrier said Europe’s earnings season had been solid, particularly for banks and industrial firms linked to electrification and data centres, although it “pales in comparison” with the stronger performance seen in the United States.
Among individual companies, Burberry fell 4.7 per cent after reporting fourth-quarter sales in line with expectations. Watches of Switzerland jumped 14 per cent after forecasting full-year operating profit above market expectations.
Investment group 3i Group dropped almost 16 per cent following its results, dragging the financial services sector down 0.8 per cent.
Meanwhile, Legal & General rose 5.2 per cent after the Financial Times reported that the company was not considering a sale.
Investors are also reassessing the outlook for interest rates after European Central Bank chief economist Philip Lane signalled that further rate rises may be needed to tackle inflation.
Money markets are now pricing in more than two ECB rate increases this year, with the first expected in June.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign ...
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent&...
More than 20 hospitals and health centres in Gaza could lose a key source of fuel from 19 September, according to the Strip's Health Ministry....
Maritime trackers received new reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding to concerns about energy supplies after Saudi Arabia shut down a vital oil pipeline on Saturday.
A Kyiv-Warsaw train was struck near the Polish border, Ukraine's state railway firm said on Sunday. No passengers were injured. Ukrainian Railways said that the country's railways were facing systematic attacks for a second day and warned of widespread delays.
Saudi Arabia has temporarily shut down its 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline after it was hit by a drone attack, with Riyadh and Baghdad saying the strike originated from Iraq.
Swedes vote in an election on Sunday (13 September) that could see the far-right enter government for the first time if the country's right-wing parties can form a majority.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
Amazon has paused its operations with 21 Air, the Miami-based cargo carrier that operated an Amazon Air flight which crashed at Miami International Airport last weekend, killing five people.
Voters in the southern Philippines are casting ballots in a historic election that could shape the future of one of the country’s most conflict-affected regions and put a decades-long peace process to a crucial test.
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed back against growing calls for the artificial intelligence (AI) industry to slow down, arguing that maintaining America’s lead over China is more important.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 14 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the world of artificial intelligence (AI).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment