European stocks rose on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 up 0.6% and the STOXX 600 advancing 0.4%, snapping a two-day losing streak. Sentiment improved after strong earnings and upbeat sales guidance from Micron Technology bolstered confidence in AI-driven demand, helping to reverse the tech-sector weakness seen earlier in the week.
At the same time, oil prices extended their decline, returning to levels last seen before the Iran conflict and easing worries about renewed inflationary pressures.
Among the standout gainers, ASML Holding climbed 3.9%, while STMicroelectronics and Infineon Technologies advanced 4.5% and 5.9%, respectively. Elsewhere, 3i Group jumped more than 9% after sales at its portfolio company Action slowed less than investors had feared.
On the downside, H&M slumped 4.5% after quarterly results missed expectations, as earnings were hit by one-off restructuring charges. SAP slipped 1.6%, Prosus lost 1%, and Sanofi fell 1.3%.
