Saturday, September 6, 2025
  • Login
Forbes 40under40
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
No Result
View All Result
Forbes 40under40
No Result
View All Result
Home Technology

Europe: Stoxx 600 closes near record high; German elections in focus

by Riah Marton
in Technology
Europe: Stoxx 600 closes near record high; German elections in focus
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


EUROPEAN shares settled near a record high on Friday (Feb 21) and marked their longest streak of weekly gains in nearly a year, while Germany’s Dax dipped as investors braced for the country’s upcoming snap elections.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index added 0.5 per cent, recovering from a one-week low on Thursday.

Healthcare stocks were among the top boosts to the index after the US Food and Drug Administration said there was no longer a shortage of Novo Nordisk’s popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs. Shares of the Wegovy and Ozempic maker advanced 5.8 per cent.

The index was set for marginal weekly gains of 0.2 per cent, logging its ninth straight week of advances – the longest since March 2024.

Throughout the week, investors maintained a cautious stance, evaluating the implications of US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats, a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine and the need to increase domestic military spending.

Investors will now turn their attention to elections in Germany on Sunday that could result in a conservative-led government likely to spend more to boost the economy, or a heavily split vote that leads to drawn-out coalition negotiations and political deadlock.

BT in your inbox

Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

The country’s benchmark index dipped 0.2 per cent, while domestically focused midcaps, which analysts say are set to benefit if the constitutional debt brake is lifted, inched up 0.4 per cent. On a year-to-date basis, midcaps have lagged the more export-focused DAX, owing to a sluggish domestic economy.

Barclays’ European equity strategists led by Emmanuel Cau said midcaps lagging suggest “that investors ascribe a low probability of successful growth-oriented policies from the new government. Both (the indexes) could thus benefit if the election result makes a grand coalition with two-thirds majority possible.”

In a reprieve for Germany’s private sector, data showed business activity picked up slightly in February, although more broadly, euro zone business activity saw tepid growth. Meanwhile, UK’s Standard Chartered rose 3.7 per cent after the lender announced a new US$1.5 billion share buyback after reporting an 18 per cent rise in annual profit.

Banks added 1 per cent and emerged as the standout performer of the week, poised to secure its ninth consecutive weekly gain – the longest streak since February 1997.

Among others, the food and beverage index jumped 2.2 per cent after three-straight sessions of losses.

Air Liquide added 3.2 per cent after the industrial gases supplier raised its medium-term operating margin guidance and its 2024 sales slightly beat market expectations.

Ireland’s Kingspan jumped 13 per cent after the company reported upbeat 2024 results, while Elekta dropped 8.7 per cent after the medical equipment maker cut its annual revenue and core earnings forecast. REUTERS

Tags: ClosesElectionsEuropeFocusGermanHighRecordStoxx
Riah Marton

Riah Marton

I'm Riah Marton, a dynamic journalist for Forbes40under40. I specialize in profiling emerging leaders and innovators, bringing their stories to life with compelling storytelling and keen analysis. I am dedicated to spotlighting tomorrow's influential figures.

Next Post
US dollar recovers as markets in consolidation mode; pares gains after data

US dollar recovers as markets in consolidation mode; pares gains after data

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Forbes 40under40 stands as a distinguished platform revered for its commitment to honoring and applauding the remarkable achievements of exceptional individuals who have yet to reach the age of 40. This esteemed initiative serves as a beacon of inspiration, spotlighting trailblazers across various industries and domains, showcasing their innovation, leadership, and impact on a global scale.

 
 
 
 

NEWS

  • Forbes Magazine
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Money
  • Leadership
  • Real Estate
  • Lifestyle
Instagram Facebook Youtube

© 2025 Forbes 40under40. All Rights Reserved.

  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Technology
  • Innovation
  • Real Estate
  • Leadership
  • Money
  • Lifestyle

© 2024 Forbes 40under40. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In