European shares ended Thursday on a high, buoyed by growing expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The pan-European STOXX 600 increased by 0.66% to 550.39 points, powered primarily by media and telecommunication indexes, both rising nearly 1.9%.
The anticipation of a rate cut was amplified by softer U.S. private payroll numbers, which fell short of forecasts in August, reinforcing predictions for Federal Reserve action. Additionally, comments from Fed officials signaled a potential reduction in rates ahead, easing bond market pressures. Euro zone bond yields relaxed, with Germany’s 30-year yield dipping to 3.3439%.
Focus now shifts to Friday’s nonfarm payrolls data, which could solidify rate cut expectations. European markets steadied after earlier turbulence linked to debt-fueled fiscal policies in developed economies. Meanwhile, investor sentiment remains cautious ahead of a confidence vote for French Prime Minister François Bayrou, while Chinese luxury stocks weaken, dragging down the European luxury sector.
(With inputs from agencies.)