This week, European markets experienced a downturn, influenced by disappointing economic indicators and the looming release of US non-farm payrolls. The decline in European shares was particularly evident on Friday, driven by lackluster economic data from major economies like Germany and France earlier in the week. Notably, Eurozone inflation for December rose to 2.9%, surpassing November’s 2.4%, primarily attributed to the conclusion of various government subsidies.
Market Performance: A Weekly Overview
The French CAC 40 index witnessed a 2.49% decline, settling at €7,358.7, while the Stoxx 600 index dipped 1.24% to €472.5. Additionally, the FTSE 100 index slid by 0.77% to £7,663.1. The lead equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, Sophie Lund-Yates, emphasized the impact of the impending US jobs data on the FTSE 100, highlighting its potential influence on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision.
Top Weekly Gainers in CAC 40
Among the top gainers in the CAC 40, Orange experienced a 3.46% rise after expanding its 5G networks and securing a private network deal in Spain with Ericsson. Pharmaceutical giant Sanofi gained 3.48% following the approval of its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine in China. Danone and Credit Agricole also saw positive movements, with Danone inching up 3.49% after Platinum Equity’s acquisition of its US premium organic dairy arm and Credit Agricole climbing 2%, buoyed by its successful 2023 performance and sustainable financing decisions.
Weekly Losers: Challenges and Setbacks
On the flip side, semiconductor supplier STMicroelectronics faced a significant setback, witnessing a 10.4% decline despite announcing a share repurchase program and launching a new shutter sensor. Pernod Ricard, Alstom, LVMH, and Kering also experienced losses. Pernod Ricard dropped 9.77%, entangled in an anti-dumping investigation, while Alstom dipped 9.36% despite positive announcements regarding train supply and technology investments. LVMH and Kering faced declines of 6.92% and 6.68%, respectively, with LVMH’s announcement of a new CEO and Kering’s internal restructuring contributing to the downward trend.
Shifting Dynamics: Factors Impacting Market Sentiment
As the week concluded, the market dynamics reflected the interplay of economic data, corporate announcements, and global developments. The anticipation of US non-farm payrolls and the nuanced performances of individual companies underscored the volatility and sensitivity of European markets to both domestic and international factors.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Business Live
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