European stocks declined on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 down 0.4% and the STOXX 600 slipping 0.2%, extending losses after a nearly 2% drop the previous day.
European investors cautious before US data
Investors remained cautious ahead of a crucial U.S. inflation report expected later in the day. Sentiment was also weighed down by ongoing concerns about Donald Trump's policy impacts, economic uncertainty in China, and political instability in Germany. Key underperformers included Bayer (-2.8%), ASML Holding (-1.8%), SAP (-1.3%), and Volkswagen (-1.2%).
Eyes on earnings too
On the earnings front, RWE surged 7.9% after announcing a share buyback program, Siemens Energy jumped 18.6% after raising its mid-term outlook, and Allianz edged up 0.5% on stronger-than-expected profit. Just Eat Takeaway soared 20.7% following news of a deal to sell its U.S. unit, Grubhub, to Wonder Group.
