European stocks edged higher on Friday, attempting to claw back losses of more than 1% from the previous session. Investors continued to track developments in the Middle East, with oil prices easing intraday yet still holding at elevated levels. Market participants also weighed the latest US trade measures announced by President Trump, who introduced tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from most major trading partners following an investigation into alleged failures to prevent forced labor in supply chains. The tariff on EU imports is expected to remain capped at 10%.
On the macroeconomic front, flash PMI readings for France and Germany surprised to the upside, offering further support to market sentiment. Earnings season also remained a key driver of trading. SAP gained more than 5% after raising its guidance for adjusted profit in 2026, while VW slipped around 2% after scrapping its forecast for sales revenue growth in 2026. For the week, both main stock indices are on track to end about 0.3% lower.
