European shares hovered near record-high levels as traders focused on the latest developments in Iran, while miners and chemicals stocks gained. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index ticked up 0.2% to close at an all-time peak. A rally in metals prices boosted mining shares, while the media and technology sectors lagged. Traders are closely watching Iran after Reuters reported that some personnel were advise...
European shares hovered near record-high levels as traders focused on the latest developments in Iran, while miners and chemicals stocks gained. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index ticked up 0.2% to close at an all-time peak. A rally in metals prices boosted mining shares, while the media and technology sectors lagged. Traders are closely watching Iran after Reuters reported that some personnel were advised to leave the US’ Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening. “There’s clearly no panic but there are more and more concerns weighing on the market’s shoulders when it comes to Trump’s policies,” said Alexandre Baradez , chief market analyst at IG in Paris. This was apparent overnight with a surge in the price of precious metals, he added. Europe’s basic material index rose to its highest since 2022 as investors bet metals will get a further boost from more US rate cuts and an economic revival in China. Gold, silver, copper and tin all hit record highs. “The beginning of the year has been heavy in geopolitical events such as Venezuela,” said Christophe Boucher , chief investment officer at ABN Amro Investment Solutions. “Global investors, rather than buying dollars are turning to gold and precious metals as safe havens.” European stocks have had a strong start to the year so far, led by technology and mining shares. The Stoxx 600 is now the most overbought in 10 years as a sector rotation plays out. Among individual movers on Wednesday, Pearson Plc shares dropped 10% after the publisher said it lost a contract with New Jersey for US student assessment. Societe Generale SA shares rose 1.5% after Jefferies boosted its price target on the prospect of higher profitability. European banks have the scope to gain further , though the bar is higher after their outperformance in the past five years, according to Barclays Plc strategist Emmanuel Cau . For more on equity markets: Bold Profit Expectations Raise Stakes for Markets: Taking Stock M&A Watch Europe: Coca-Cola, Costa C...
The valuation expansion that elevated Chinese stocks to world-leading gains last year will continue to galvanize equity financing by artificial intelligence companies in 2026 after a slew of eye-popping listings by key players, according to analysts. More AI players will capitalise on the rich valuations of mainland China’s technology boards to raise funds to drive research and expansion, as China...
The valuation expansion that elevated Chinese stocks to world-leading gains last year will continue to galvanize equity financing by artificial intelligence companies in 2026 after a slew of eye-popping listings by key players, according to analysts. More AI players will capitalise on the rich valuations of mainland China’s technology boards to raise funds to drive research and expansion, as China and the US compete for dominance in the world’s cutting-edge technologies. After a solid run in...
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates concluded an economic agreement to deepen trade ties. Nigerian Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole told Bloomberg's Jennifer Zabasajja and Horizons Middle East and Africa anchor Joumanna Bercetche that the deal will see a significant boost to trade between the two countries. (Source: Bloomberg)
Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates concluded an economic agreement to deepen trade ties. Nigerian Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole told Bloomberg's Jennifer Zabasajja and Horizons Middle East and Africa anchor Joumanna Bercetche that the deal will see a significant boost to trade between the two countries. (Source: Bloomberg)