Brussels – Saba:
European stocks fell on Wednesday after data showed the UK's annual inflation rate rose to 3.6% in June, up from 3.4% in May—the highest level in over a year—contrary to market expectations.
Pressure on European markets also intensified following higher-than-expected US inflation figures.
The STOXX Europe 600 index dropped 0.3% to 543.38 points in morning trading.
Losses were led by ASML, the world's largest supplier of chipmaking equipment, whose shares plunged 6.7% after the company warned of potential stagnation in 2026 growth, despite second-quarter orders exceeding market expectations.
European technology stocks declined by 1.4%, while automotive shares fell nearly 1%.
| more of (International) |