FX.co ★ European Stocks Lower, Earnings and ECB in Focus

Major European stock markets experienced a downturn on Thursday, as both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 indices declined by 0.4%. This movement comes as investors assess recent corporate earnings, prepare for the European Central Bank's forthcoming policy announcement, and monitor developments in the trade conflict. Shares of Hermes decreased by 3%, following the luxury brand's report of a 7% revenue increase in the first quarter, which fell short of the anticipated 7.6%. Conversely, Siemens Energy experienced a significant surge of nearly 10%, after improving its fiscal outlook for 2025 and surpassing forecasts for both revenue and profit in the first quarter. The ECB is anticipated to implement another 25 basis point rate cut today. On the trade front, sentiment improved after President Donald Trump announced "big progress" in trade discussions with Japan, sparking optimism for potential agreements with other nations.