FX.co ★ European Stocks Close Lower

European stocks relinquished their initial gains in the morning session to finish in negative territory on Friday. Investors remained attentive to corporate activities and indications of progress in trade talks between the United States and the European Union. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 index decreased by 0.3%, closing at 5,359, while the broader pan-European STOXX index slightly dipped below the flatline to settle at 547. In the technology sector, companies continued to exhibit volatility as tariffs and wider economic uncertainties persisted in their outlook, with ASML declining by 2.6%. Leading luxury brands and automotive manufacturers, including Hermes, LVMH, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, experienced declines ranging from 1% to 3%. Conversely, Vivendi surged by 13.2% following a recommendation by a French financial market advisor for a mandatory takeover bid by Bollore. Additionally, Saab's shares jumped by 16% after the company announced operating income in the second quarter that exceeded expectations. Throughout the week, both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 indices reported marginal declines.