FX.co ★ European Stocks Edge Down

European equities were broadly weaker on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 down 0.2% and the STOXX 600 off 0.3%, as investors weighed a new wave of corporate earnings and company news. Oil prices also edged lower despite persistent geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Defensive sectors lagged, with utilities and consumer staples among the poorest performers. TotalEnergies slipped 1.6% after an earnings preview signaled that higher crude prices should support Q2 profits, though LNG earnings are set for a sharp decline. ABB fell 2% following its announcement of a $5.5 billion takeover of UK-based automation group Rotork. Experian dropped more than 5% after its latest results underwhelmed the market, even as the company reaffirmed its full-year guidance. In contrast, ASML Holding climbed 2.6%, buoyed by robust quarterly figures from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Publicis added 1.3% after upgrading its full-year outlook.