The STOXX 50 rose 0.2% while the STOXX 600 was largely flat on Thursday, as traders awaited the European Central Bank's monetary policy decision.
European shares cautious ahead of ECB
The ECB is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points, with investors focusing on any guidance about a potential acceleration of rate reductions to support the economy. Meanwhile, the Swiss National Bank surprised markets with a larger-than-expected 50 basis point rate cut, lowering its key policy rate to 0.5%.
China-exposed sectors lead gains
Additionally, sectors with exposure to China, including luxury goods and mining, led gains after the Chinese Commerce Ministry expressed openness to engaging with the Trump administration's economic and trade team. Top performers included Kering (+1.7%), Glencore (+1%), LVMH (+0.9%), and Anglo American (+0.3%). In contrast, Inditex shares remained under pressure, declining 2%.
