Germany’s trade surplus shrank to €15.4 billion in June while France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.8 billion from €7.9 billion in May.
European equities advanced as healthcare stocks gained, countering geopolitical risks. Germany’s DAX rose 0.50%, while France’s CAC added 0.18% despite economic headwinds.
Germany’s trade surplus narrowed to €15.4 billion in June, down from prior months. France’s unemployment rate climbed to 8.3% in Q2, and its trade deficit improved to €5.8 billion from €7.9 billion in May.
A top Volkswagen investor urged the automaker to accelerate cost cuts and strategic reforms to bolster shareholder returns amid market pressures.