European stocks closed higher on Friday due to optimism about reforms in Germany and Ukraine ceasefire

From Nasdaq.: 2025-03-14 13:50:00

European stocks closed higher on Friday as optimism about reforms in Germany’s debt brake rule and a potential ceasefire in Ukraine boosted investor sentiment. The pan European Stoxx 600 climbed 1.14%, with the UK’s FTSE 100, Germany’s DAX, and France’s CAC 40 all posting gains. Bank, defense, and mining stocks were among the top performers. In the UK market, Melrose Industries and BAE Systems saw significant gains, while Tesco and Sainsbury’s tumbled. In Germany, Rheinmetall and Heidelberg Materials were top gainers, with Daimler Truck Holding reporting a drop in adjusted earnings but forecasting growth in 2025. Porsche and Deutsche Telekom ended lower.

In the UK, GDP shrank 0.1% in January, below expectations, with growth of 1.2% year-on-year. Inflation expectations rose to 3.4% in February, while France saw inflation fall to 0.8%. Germany’s consumer price index rose 2.3% year-on-year in February, with food inflation up but energy costs down. Core inflation eased to 2.7% in February.



Read more at Nasdaq.: European Stocks Close On Firm Note