European equities were broadly unchanged on Wednesday, with the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 little moved as gains in Germany and Italy offset a decline of more than 1% in Spain, where markets reacted to a rail crash that killed 68 people. Trading in the UK and France was similarly subdued.
Sector performance was mixed. Oil and gas stocks rose more than 1% as renewed tensions in the Middle East lifted crude prices on concerns about potential supply disruptions. Automobiles and parts added more than 1%, while utilities advanced over 0.5%. By contrast, media shares dropped nearly 2%, and miners, household goods and chemicals also weakened.
At the individual stock level, Logitech slumped 10% on supply chain worries, and GSK fell 5% after its results disappointed investors. Banco Santander declined 5.5% following a drop in net profit, and UBS lost 1%. Mercedes-Benz inched up 0.4% despite cutting its outlook, while BNP Paribas gained 0.3%. Worldline climbed 5%, Standard Chartered rose 2.7%, and Deutsche Bank advanced 4% on the back of stronger results or guidance.