FX.co ★ European Stocks Rise, STOXX 600 Hits Record High

European equities advanced on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 up 0.3% to 6,415 points and the broader STOXX 600 reaching a new record high of 665 points. Sentiment was supported by a robust third-quarter earnings season and easing energy prices. According to Deutsche Bank, earnings growth for STOXX 600 constituents accelerated from 22% to 28%, the fastest pace in four years.

In commodities, Brent crude hovered around $93 per barrel, well below its recent peaks, while European natural gas prices also fell as increased supply from the Gulf and reduced fears of a renewed escalation in regional conflict helped stabilize markets.

On the macroeconomic front, data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that the economy grew by 0.7% in the third quarter, up from 0.5% in the previous three months and in line with expectations. September GDP rose 0.2%, beating forecasts.