### European Market Commentary: Steady Gains Amid Easing Trade Fears

European markets kicked off the week on a positive note, extending the global rebound as trade tensions appeared to soften, buoying investor confidence despite lingering geopolitical headwinds. The Euro Stoxx 50 climbed 0.77%, led by gains in financials and technology sectors, while the DAX advanced 0.83% on strength in autos and industrials, reflecting optimism around potential ECB support for growth amid moderating inflation signals. The CAC 40 edged up 0.55%, with consumer goods providing a lift, though luxury names lagged on mixed Eurozone retail data. The FTSE 100 rose a more modest 0.30%, weighed by energy stocks amid fluctuating commodity prices, as broader risk appetite overshadowed domestic political uncertainties in the UK.

Key drivers included anticipation of the ECB’s upcoming policy meeting, where markets priced in a steady stance on rates but eyed hints of future easing to counter sluggish Eurozone GDP figures. Political developments, including heightened US-Russia rhetoric over Ukraine, added a layer of caution, yet failed to derail the momentum, with investors shrugging off credit market vulnerabilities tied to securitization risks. Sector-wise, banks benefited from narrowing spreads and renewed merger activity, while defensives like utilities held firm against volatility.

Currency dynamics showed resilience in the euro, with EUR/USD gaining 0.06% to hover near 1.0850, supported by a softer dollar amid trade optimism. The pound weakened slightly, GBP/USD dipping 0.10% as UK fiscal debates intensified, though EUR/GBP rose 0.15% on relative euro strength. The Swiss franc edged higher against the dollar, USD/CHF down 0.01%, underscoring its safe-haven appeal amid global uncertainties.

Overnight, US indices closed higher—the S&P 500 up 0.53%, Dow 0.52%, and Nasdaq 0.65%—fueled by tech rebounds and easing tariff fears, which spilled over into European futures. Asia’s Nikkei surged to fresh highs on political stability hopes, reinforcing a risk-on tone. Overall sentiment remains constructive, with retail flows burning short sellers and gold’s alignment with equities signaling broad-based positivity. Investors are positioned for continuity, though vigilance on credit fragilities and geopolitical flares persists.

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