European stock markets closed higher, following a reduction in trade tensions with the US. The Stoxx 600 index rose by 0.6%

On Wednesday, European stock markets recorded a positive close, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index rising by approximately 0.6%, amid reduced trade tensions: the U.S. administration confirmed the implementation of a 10% tariff on imports from the European Union, instead of the previously announced 15%. Most sectors and national stock exchanges ended the session in positive territory, as investors assessed the new global trade context and recent financial results. Diageo's shares fell by over 13% due to lowered sales and profit estimates for 2026, while Aston Martin recorded a decline of approximately 2% following the announcement of staff reductions. On the other hand, HSBC had a positive performance, closing over 6% higher, thanks to an annual pre-tax profit that exceeded expectations. Investors also monitored macroeconomic data from Germany and the eurozone, and in the Asia-Pacific region, stock markets in South Korea and Japan reached historic highs, contributing to the optimistic sentiment in global markets.