What was the performance of major European stock indices on Thursday, and what key event were investors anticipating?

On Thursday, the pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.1% to 641.23 points, London's FTSE edged 0.1% higher, and France's CAC 40 gained 0.3%, while Germany's DAX remained flat; investors were awaiting a widely forecast 25-basis-point interest rate hike from the European Central Bank and comments from ECB chief Christine Lagarde on oil prices and their impact on inflation.

Why did European stocks fall sharply in the previous session, and what triggered renewed concerns about inflation on Thursday?

European stocks tumbled 1.4% in the previous session after Brent crude surged above $100 a barrel for the first time since July, stoking inflation concerns and reinforcing expectations that central banks may need to keep monetary policy restrictive for longer; on Thursday, Brent remained above $100 a barrel following the largest wave of attacks on shipping by Iran and the United States since the six-month-old conflict began.

European Shares Edge Higher as Traders Await ECB Decision

Sep 10, 2026

European shares rose slightly as investors awaited the ECB's interest rate decision amid inflation concerns driven by Brent crude oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. Associated British Foods fell after reporting lower Primark sales.

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European Shares Edge Higher as Traders Await ECB Decision

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