19.12.202508:48:33UTC+00European Stocks Flat on Friday, Set for Weekly Gains

On Friday, the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 indices showed little movement, maintaining stability after notable gains in the prior session. This resilience was fueled by positive sentiment about potential further Federal Reserve rate cuts next year and reduced forecasts that the European Central Bank will increase borrowing rates in 2026. The personal and household goods sector emerged as the day’s weakest performer. Adidas shares declined by 0.5%, and Puma experienced a 2% drop, influenced by Nike's report of a consecutive quarterly decline in margins, which they attributed to persistent weakness in the Chinese market and the continued effects of elevated tariffs. The technology sector faced challenges as well, with ASML Holding and SAP both experiencing a 0.5% decrease in their stock prices. Conversely, the banking sector witnessed mostly positive movements, with Intesa Sanpaolo and BBVA each advancing by 0.1%, while BNP Paribas and Société Générale rose 0.9% and 0.6%, respectively. In the background, investors considered the European Union’s decision to proceed with issuing joint bonds, aimed at providing €90 billion in loans to Ukraine. Over the week, both indices are poised to secure strong gains, with the STOXX 50 increasing by 0.5% and the STOXX 600 up by 1.2% thus far.