European equities traded near record levels on Wednesday, with major indexes little changed ahead of the latest U.S. inflation report, while higher oil prices and a final round of corporate earnings shaped trading across sectors.
The EURO STOXX 50 and STOXX Europe 600 hovered around the flatline as attention turned to the U.S. Consumer Price Index report. The inflation data will provide an updated measure of price pressures ahead of the Federal Reserve’s next monetary policy decision.
Higher crude oil prices also contributed to a cautious session as energy costs remained a factor in the global inflation outlook.
Corporate earnings continued to drive individual stocks as Europe’s reporting season approached its final stages.
ABN AMRO shares climbed more than 5% after the Dutch bank reported results above expectations across key measures. Vestas surged more than 18% following higher revenue.
Technology shares were among the stronger sectors, extending gains alongside a broader advance in global technology stocks after CoreWeave reported stronger-than-expected sales growth.
ASML Holding gained 2%, Infineon Technologies advanced 1.6%, Siemens Energy rose 3.5%, and Rheinmetall added 1.3%.
Luxury companies moved in the opposite direction. LVMH declined 1.8%, Hermès fell 1.5%, and Kering dropped 2.9%.
The session leaves European benchmarks close to record territory, with U.S. inflation data and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate path providing the next major macroeconomic reference point.
Source: Market data.
