Major indices close mixed on Friday but post weekly gains after US-Iran deal eases geopolitical risks and oil prices fall.
European equities finished a volatile week with modest losses on Friday, capping a strong performance driven by easing Middle East tensions. The STOXX 600 dipped 0.2%, while the FTSE 100 and CAC 40 fell 0.4% and 0.5%, respectively, as investors took profits after a Monday rally following a US-Iran peace agreement.
For the week, the DAX led with a 1.6% gain, while Spain’s IBEX and Italy’s MIB surged 3.2%. The STOXX 600 rose 0.45%, and the FTSE 100 added 0.5%. Lower oil prices and reduced eurozone risk supported sentiment, though concerns over Lebanon instability and Fed policy shifts limited follow-through.
Year-to-date, European stocks remain modestly higher, recovering from early-year optimism before recent geopolitical and monetary policy uncertainties emerged.