European stock markets open with modest gains
European Markets Edge Higher As Investors Turn To The Fed
European stocks are moving gently upward today, though the FTSE 100 is lagging behind its peers as traders wait for fresh signals from the Federal Reserve, which begins its 2 day policy meeting.
Market Snapshot
Momentum across major European benchmarks remains modest but positive.
Stoxx 600 up 0.27 percent at 579
FTSE 100 up 0.04 percent at 9648
DAX up 0.53 percent at 24174
CAC 40 up 0.24 percent at 8127
Corporate Highlights
Thyssenkrupp returned to profit in Q4, a notable shift from last year’s loss. Yet the industrial group warned of potential losses and weaker sales in 2026, citing ongoing uncertainty about global economic growth.
Deal making also captured attention. Novartis signed a partnership with Relation Therapeutics valued at up to 1.7 billion dollars to speed up allergy drug development. Meanwhile, Renault and Ford agreed on a strategic collaboration aimed at producing affordable electric vehicles expected to be launched in 2028.
Key corporate developments shape sector sentiment
All Eyes On The Federal Reserve
Investors are bracing for the Fed’s upcoming decision. Markets broadly expect a rate cut on Wednesday, a move already priced in. The bigger question is how Fed Chair Jerome Powell will frame the path of policy easing through next year.
Current market expectations suggest 77 basis points of rate cuts by the end of 2026, implying 2 more cuts after December.
Analysts at Vital Knowledge noted that although a cut is widely anticipated, guidance may skew more hawkish. They added that global monetary policy is moving away from the easing phase, with the Fed likely pausing for at least the first meetings of 2026.
The Fed’s upcoming policy decision anchors market attention
The Fed’s stance will influence a series of upcoming decisions across Europe. The Swiss National Bank announces its decision on Thursday, followed next week by the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, Norway’s Norges Bank and Sweden’s Riksbank.
German Exports Surprise Higher
Germany delivered a small but positive economic surprise as exports in October rose 0.1 percent month on month. Analysts had anticipated a 0.5 percent decline.
