Europe's STOXX 600 hits record high on strong earnings, easing Mideast tensions

Europe’s STOXX 600 advanced 0.3% to 665.38 by 0806 GMT on Thursday, setting a fresh record after a record close in the previous session. Business Recorder reported that strong company results, reduced geopolitical strain and a shift away from AI-related shares in Asia and the United States supported the advance; Germany’s DAX also reached a high, gaining 1%.

LSEG data indicate STOXX 600 companies are expected to deliver 25% quarterly profit growth, the strongest pace in four years, with energy firms contributing substantially. Siemens climbed 3.8% after improving its growth outlook, while Merck rose 1.6% after lifting its 2026 profit guidance for the third time this year. Oil fell below $100 a barrel after the United States said an imminent attack on Iran was unlikely, and the STOXX 600 is up 4.7% this quarter, compared with a 0.4% decline for the S&P 500.