Key Moments
- The STOXX 600 stood at 655.95 points, down 0.07% as of 0709 GMT.
- Nvidia projected a 70% increase in revenue for its next fiscal year, boosting European tech shares.
- Oil prices dropped more than $1 amid hopes that talks between Iran and Qatar could ease supply risks.
European Equities Struggle for Direction
European equity markets were broadly unchanged on Thursday, as strength in technology stocks linked to Nvidia’s latest outlook was counterbalanced by declines across several major sectors.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.07% at 655.95 points as of 0709 GMT, reflecting muted overall sentiment despite notable moves in individual sectors.
Nvidia Outlook Lifts Tech Sector
AI chip maker Nvidia forecast a 70% jump in revenue next fiscal year, signaling continued strong demand for AI computing and providing a tailwind for the region’s technology shares.
Technology stocks led the sectoral advance, rising 1.5%. Within the group, shares of AT&S, Technoprobe and Computacenter gained between 4.3% and 4.9%.
| Sector / Index | Move | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STOXX 600 | -0.07% | 655.95 points as of 0709 GMT |
| Technology | +1.5% | Helped by Nvidia-related optimism |
| AT&S, Technoprobe, Computacenter | +4.3% to +4.9% | Among top tech gainers |
| Personal & household goods, chemicals, autos | -0.7% to -0.9% | Sector weakness capped broader index gains |
Defensive and Cyclical Sectors Weigh on Index
Gains in technology were offset by declines across several other major groups. Personal and household goods, chemicals and auto stocks fell between 0.7% and 0.9%, putting pressure on the broader market and limiting the upside from the tech rally.
Geopolitics and Oil Market Reaction
In parallel with equity trading, geopolitical developments around Iran were in focus. Qatar’s prime minister will visit Tehran on Thursday in an effort to restart diplomatic engagement after the U.S. and Iran exchanged recriminations over Washington’s pledge to ramp up economic pressure on Tehran by imposing sanctions on its trade partners.
Oil prices fell more than $1, extending a series of declines, as investors reacted to expectations that talks between Iran and Qatar might help open the Strait of Hormuz and ease supply disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East.
TradingPedia.com is a financial media specialized in providing daily news and education covering Forex, equities and commodities. Our academies for traders cover 
