FX.co ★ European Shares Rise

On Wednesday, the STOXX 50 saw an increase of 0.4%, while the STOXX 600 rose by 0.3%, as investors seemingly overlooked the latest developments in trade. President Trump, in an anticipated move, signed an executive order increasing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%. The European Union criticized the decision, cautioning that it might endanger current trade negotiations and reaffirmed its willingness to introduce countermeasures if necessary. The sectors leading in performance were basic resources and construction and materials, whereas the oil and gas sector lagged. In corporate news, Airbus shares surged over 3% following reports of potential orders from Chinese airlines for up to 300 aircraft, possibly being finalized during an upcoming visit by European leaders to Beijing next month. Other significant gains were observed in STMicroelectronics, which rose 4.1%, and Infineon Technologies, up by 3.9%. Steel-related stocks also saw an upturn, with ArcelorMittal rising 1.4%, ThyssenKrupp gaining 1.9%, and SSAB increasing by 1%.