FX.co ★ European Stocks Hit New Highs

European stocks continued their upward trajectory for the fourth straight session on Thursday, with both the STOXX 50 and the STOXX 600 reaching new record levels, each up nearly 0.2%. This rise was largely driven by a positive market outlook following the end of the U.S. government shutdown. President Trump signed a funding bill into law, reopening the government after it was passed by the House of Representatives. Investor attention also turned towards a series of corporate updates. Merck's shares jumped nearly 7%, becoming one of the leading performers on the STOXX 600, after the company announced operating earnings that exceeded expectations. Deutsche Telekom saw a 1.3% increase after it raised its 2025 guidance again. ASML Holding grew by 1.6%, Hermès by 1.3%, and L’Oréal by 1.1%. In contrast, Siemens experienced a 4.1% drop in its shares following stronger revenue figures but a decline in net profit that failed to meet analysts' projections.