• Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
Stock

European stocks wrap volatile week mixed: FTSE 100 inches higher, DAX dips

by April 12, 2025
by April 12, 2025

European markets closed out a turbulent week with modest losses on Friday, as the intensifying tariff standoff between the United States and China continued to rattle global investor sentiment.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index slipped 0.1%, retracing slightly after logging its strongest session since March 2022 on Thursday.

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.64% after better-than-expected GDP data for February, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 was flat.

Germany’s DAX declined 0.9% and France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.3%.

The euro continued to strengthen, gaining 1.3% against the US dollar to reach $1.134 — its highest level since February 2022 — on the back of optimism over economic resilience in the eurozone.

Sector-wise, risk-off sentiment remained evident. Industrials, technology, and energy stocks stayed under pressure, while defensive sectors such as utilities and consumer durables attracted buyers.

Trump tariff tensions dominate market narrative

The session capped a week marked by extreme volatility, fueled by policy uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump’s new tariff regime.

The White House’s initial move to impose steep “reciprocal tariffs” on nearly 90 countries and territories was walked back midweek, replaced by a 10% blanket levy for 90 days to allow for negotiations, excluding China, which faces a punitive 145% import duty.

In response, Beijing raised its tariffs on US goods to 125%, up from 84%, escalating fears of a prolonged disruption in global trade flows.

Despite these developments, European equities have shown greater resilience than their US counterparts.

While the S&P 500 has dropped nearly 11% year-to-date, the Stoxx 600 is down only 4.4%.

France’s CAC 40 has slipped 4%, the FTSE 100 is lower by about 3%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB has declined just 0.9%.

Germany’s DAX remains an outlier, up 2.4% so far in 2025.

Analysts attribute this relative outperformance to expectations that the economic fallout from the US-led trade conflict will be less severe in Europe.

Several Wall Street banks have noted that Europe’s diversified export base, stronger trade links with Asia outside of China, and more conservative monetary policy responses may cushion the impact.

US stocks on Friday

After starting the day in red, US stocks edged higher Friday as investors tried to find footing following a volatile week dominated by tariff headlines and economic data.

The S&P 500 rose 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 140 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.7%.

The move higher came despite a setback in consumer sentiment data that briefly pressured equities.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index for April fell more than expected, signaling rising unease among households.

The University of Michigan’s latest consumer sentiment survey showed a sharp decline in confidence, with the index falling to 50.8 in April from 57 in March.

This marks one of the lowest readings since the pandemic-era lows and underscores rising anxiety among consumers amid inflation concerns and escalating trade tensions.

More notably, consumers’ year-ahead inflation expectations surged to their highest level since 1981, stoking concerns that price pressures could persist even as broader inflation gauges show signs of cooling.

The post European stocks wrap volatile week mixed: FTSE 100 inches higher, DAX dips appeared first on Invezz

0 comment
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

previous post
US stocks rebound as White House signals trade optimism with China
next post
Why Tesla stock is sliding another 4% on Friday

Related Posts

Top Hang Seng Tech Index stocks gainers in...

June 24, 2025

Why gold shines as a portfolio diversifier?

June 24, 2025

Starbucks denies plans to fully exit China operations...

June 24, 2025

Here’s why Teladoc Health stock price could surge...

June 24, 2025

JPMorgan projects another 15-20% surge in Asian tech...

June 24, 2025

Is the Iran-Israel ceasefire real or Trump’s dream?...

June 24, 2025

Europe markets open: stocks rally as Trump’s ceasefire...

June 24, 2025

Jio Financial Services shares: what’s behind latest surge?

June 24, 2025

CBA stock hits record, tops $200B after ceasefire,...

June 24, 2025

OKX eyes US IPO as crypto stock rally...

June 23, 2025

Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.

By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

Recent Posts

  • Mayday! Mayday! We Have Abuse of Emergency Powers

    June 24, 2025
  • Should Economists Rule the World?

    June 24, 2025
  • Rethinking the Fed’s Framework: Lessons from the Post-Pandemic Inflation

    June 24, 2025
  • Mayday! Mayday! We Have Abuse of Emergency Powers

    June 24, 2025
  • Should Economists Rule the World?

    June 24, 2025
  • Top Hang Seng Tech Index stocks gainers in 2025 revealed

    June 24, 2025

Editors’ Picks

  • 1

    Meta executives eligible for 200% salary bonus under new pay structure

    February 21, 2025
  • 2

    Walmart earnings preview: What to expect before Thursday’s opening bell

    February 20, 2025
  • 3

    New FBI leader Kash Patel tapped to run ATF as acting director

    February 23, 2025
  • 4

    Anthropic’s newly released Claude 3.7 Sonnet can ‘think’ as long as the user wants before giving an answer

    February 25, 2025
  • 5

    Nvidia’s investment in SoundHound wasn’t all that significant after all

    March 1, 2025
  • 6

    Elon Musk says federal employees must fill out productivity reports or resign

    February 23, 2025
  • 7

    Cramer reveals a sub-sector of technology that can withstand Trump tariffs

    March 1, 2025

Categories

  • Economy (1,596)
  • Editor's Pick (167)
  • Investing (185)
  • Stock (1,034)
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Portfolio Performance Today
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Copyright © 2025 Portfolioperformancetoday.com All Rights Reserved.

Read alsox

Charter, Cox to merge in mega deal...

May 17, 2025

Summer demand could support OPEC+ output increases,...

May 29, 2025

CRO price jumps 14% as Crypto.com seals...

April 23, 2025