FX.co ★ European Stocks Rise as Markets Weigh PMI Data

European markets edged higher on Friday, with the Euro Stoxx 50 up 0.3% to 6,070 and the Stoxx Europe 600 gaining 0.2% to 627, as investors awaited flash PMI data from major economies. Sentiment was also shaped by comments from European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, who told The Wall Street Journal she intends to serve out her full term, pushing back against earlier speculation that she might step down early.

Geopolitical tensions eased, despite Donald Trump warning Iran that it has 15 days to reach a nuclear agreement. On the corporate front, France’s Air Liquide rose 2%, even though its full-year net profit and revenue came in slightly below expectations. By contrast, Danone slipped 1%, despite issuing 2025 sales and cash-flow guidance that beat analysts’ forecasts. Mining major Anglo American gained 1% after sharply cutting its final dividend, while highlighting progress in its planned merger with Teck Resources.