European Markets Advance Amid Central Bank Watch, Paris Leads Gains
PARIS – European stock markets are broadly positive mid-session on September 15th, buoyed by anticipation of upcoming central bank decisions and a rebound in Paris following recent turbulence. The Stoxx 600 index is currently up 0.3%.
Investor focus is centered on meetings this week with the Federal Reserve – where a quarter-point interest rate cut is widely expected – as well as the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan. Simultaneously, market participants are closely monitoring trade policy developments from the United States, including increased pressure from President Trump on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The euro is trading at 1.1748 against the dollar.
Paris is leading the gains, up 1%, after fitch’s recent decision and a period of internal political uncertainty. Milan (+0.8%), Madrid (+0.4%), and Frankfurt (+0.3%) are also showing positive momentum, while London is slightly down (-0.1%). Banks (+0.8%) and luxury goods (+1.2%) are providing key support to the major European indices. The energy sector remains relatively stable (+0.07%), with oil prices edging higher; WTI crude is up 0.6% at $63.06 per barrel and Brent crude is up 0.4% at $67.29. The pharmaceutical sector is lagging (-0.7%) amid scrutiny of U.S. trade policies.
In Milan, cucinelli (+3%) and Moncler (+2.7%) are leading the charge. Leonardo (+2.2%) is also advancing, alongside the broader European defense sector, as is STM (+2.2%). Intesa Sanpaolo (+2.2%), Bper (+1.8%), and Popolare Sondrio (+1.6%) are performing well among banks,while MPS (-0.5%) and Mediobanca (-0.4%) are experiencing declines. Mediobanca, despite the dip, has settled at historic highs after briefly reaching €22. Amplifon (-0.9%), Tenaris, and Diasorin (-0.6%) are also facing downward pressure.
The spread between BTP and Bund remains stable at 79 points,with the Italian ten-year yield at 3.48%.
