What are the European stock markets doing today? At the beginning of today’s trading the stock indices of the largest Western European countries were changing weakly and in different directions. Investors are assessing the latest data on business activity in the Eurozone and are waiting for the publication of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s November meeting minutes, which will be held this evening.

At the last meeting the Federal Reserve increased the rate again by 75 basis points and hinted at the possibility of reducing the rate rise at the next meetings. As experts expect, the minutes will show that the Fed leaders reached a consensus on the need to slow down the rate hike, writes Bloomberg. In this case, however, there is no consensus among them as to what interest rate cap will lead to the beginning of economic activity recession and inflation reduction.

Current european stock market prices

The Stoxx Europe 600 composite index of the largest companies in the region rose 0.2% to 437.10 points.

Germany’s DAX index was down 0.21%, France’s CAC 40 was down 0.07% and Italy’s FTSE MIB gained 0.27%. Meanwhile, the British FTSE 100 added 0.52%.

The composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) in the euro area in November rose to 47.8 points from 47.3 points in October, according to preliminary data from S & P Global, which calculates the index.

The value of the indicator below 50 points indicates a decrease in business activity in the sector. The index in the euro area remains below that mark for the fifth month in a row.

Germany’s composite PMI rose to 46.4 points this month from 45.1 points in October, the highest since August. Nevertheless, its value indicates a decline in business activity for the third month in a row.

In France, the composite PMI in November fell to 48.8 points from 50.2 points a month earlier, according to preliminary data. The decline in business activity in the country was recorded for the first time since March 2021. 

Earlier, we reported that Europe’s largest stock market is showing mostly minor sentiment.