European stocks were slightly higher on Thursday as global markets focused on the inflation outlook.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was last trading 0.16% higher at 11:27 a.m. London time after starting the day lower. Retail stocks fell 1.91%, while mining stocks added 2.31%.
European stocks edged higher today as investors weighed ongoing inflation concerns and their potential impact on monetary policy. Despite the modest gains across broader markets, sentiment remained cautious amid persistent uncertainty surrounding central bank actions to curb rising prices.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index saw slight upward momentum, led by sectors such as energy and financials, which benefitted from stabilizing commodity prices and strong earnings reports. However, gains were tempered by lingering fears that inflationary pressures could prompt further interest rate hikes by the European Central Bank.
Among individual stocks, British bakery chain Greggs suffered a sharp decline of 10% after releasing a trading update that fell short of market expectations. Analysts cited weaker-than-anticipated sales growth and rising input costs as key factors behind the sell-off. The disappointing performance weighed on the UK’s FTSE 250, which underperformed relative to its European peers.
Investors continue to monitor key economic data releases and corporate earnings reports for further clues on the trajectory of inflation and its implications for financial markets.
ns 15.158.61.20da2