Europe stocks rise as oil retreat aids sentiment; PMI data in focus

European shares edged higher on Wednesday, according to Business Recorder, with the pan-European STOXX 600 up 0.4 per cent at 645.04 points by 0708 GMT. Most major regional exchanges also traded in positive territory. The move came as lower oil prices lifted sentiment, while investors waited for the euro zone flash September PMI survey from S&P Global.

Aerospace and defence stocks led sector gains, with Saab and Exosens among the strongest performers. Energy shares still rose 0.8 per cent, even though crude prices kept falling as investors weighed more Gulf supply after Saudi Arabia restarted a key pipeline.

Company moves were mixed. KWS fell 6.1 per cent after annual net sales dropped 3 per cent to €1.63 billion ($1.86 billion), below the IBES estimate of €1.68 billion, as lower sugarbeet and corn acreage weighed on results. Adyen slipped about 2 per cent after the Dutch payments firm appointed Klarna's Niclas Neglen as chief financial officer, effective February 1, 2027.