European markets closed flat as investors awaited Fitch’s review of France’s sovereign rating. Expectations of a Fed rate cut next week boosted sentiment. The Stoxx 600 ended down 0.09%, with the FTSE 100 down 0.15%. In the UK, Beazley, BAE Systems, and WPP gained, while JD Sports Fashion and AstraZeneca closed lower. In Germany, Hannover Rueck and Munich RE posted gains, while Bayer and Commerzbank ended lower. Thales and Capgemini were among the gainers in France, while Edenred and Stellantis tumbled. Inflation data from Germany and France showed mixed results. The UK’s GDP showed no growth in July, with industrial production falling 0.9%.

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