FX.co ★ Eurozone Stocks Extend Record High

European stock indices closed mixed on Thursday, as easing inflation concerns offset sector-specific losses. The Euro STOXX 50 rose 0.5% to a fresh record high of 6,331, while the broader STOXX Europe 600 slipped 0.4% to 637 under pressure from heavyweight pharmaceutical, mining, and energy stocks.

Market sentiment improved after US President Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran that suspends hostilities for 60 days and restores fuel tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement pushed energy prices lower and reduced worries that the ECB might need to raise interest rates further this year.

Banks were mostly higher, extending this week’s gains, with UniCredit and Intesa Sanpaolo both adding around 0.7%. Industrials advanced sharply, as Airbus, Safran, and Schneider Electric each climbed close to 3%. Chipmaker Infineon surged 7%, continuing to benefit from the recent global rally in semiconductor stocks.

In contrast, SAP fell 4.7% amid weakness in software names, while German automakers, along with major British pharmaceutical and mining companies, also retreated.