European equities edged higher on Tuesday, with the EURO STOXX 50 up 0.2% at 5,990 and the STOXX Europe 600 gaining 0.1% to 619, as weaker UK wage growth bolstered expectations of interest rate cuts. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed that average weekly earnings, including bonuses, rose 4.2% in Q4, undershooting forecasts and reinforcing the case for further monetary easing by the Bank of England.
In corporate news, Antofagasta fell more than 3% despite reporting a 52% jump in 2025 core profit, supported by robust copper prices. InterContinental Hotels Group advanced 0.5% after fourth-quarter room revenue beat expectations. Spain’s Enagás traded slightly higher even as it projected lower profit in 2026, following an anticipated boost in 2025 from asset disposals. Meanwhile, Elliott Management has reportedly built a stake of more than 10% in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and intends to press for strategic changes.
