FX.co ★ European Stocks Swing Lower

European stocks experienced fluctuations mostly on Friday, mirroring a decline in US equities after disheartening labor data from the United States raised concerns about the global economy's largest player. The STOXX 50 index of the Eurozone fell by 0.4% to 5,330, while the broader pan-European STOXX 600 saw a slight gain, sitting at 551. In the US, the nonfarm payroll figures significantly missed market expectations, and the unemployment rate—under keen observation by the Federal Reserve—rose to nearly a four-year peak. Although this bolstered expectations for potential rate cuts by the Fed, these hopes were tempered by fears of a slowing economy and pressure on Europe's export-driven sectors due to the strengthening euro. Notably, shares in Siemens and Airbus decreased by 1.8% and 2%, respectively, leading declines in the industrial sector. Meanwhile, financial giants such as UniCredit, BNP Paribas, and Munich Re each saw losses of 1.5%. The STOXX 600 was on track for a 0.5% decline, with expectations to close the week relatively unchanged.