European Stocks Pause in Face of Tariff Risks, French Politics

(Bloomberg) — European stocks were steady on Friday as investors looked for fresh catalysts amid worries over trade tariffs and recent political turmoil in France, where the government struggling to approve the budget. 

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index was little changed by 1:30 p.m. in London. Food and beverages, personal care and food retail, along with utilities were the biggest laggard sectors. Miners were a bright spot, gaining on the back of stronger prices for iron ore, which were set for a second weekly gain on hopes that China would deploy more stimulus before the end of the year. 

Deal-making news continued to drive moves among individual stocks. Shares in Direct Line Insurance Group Plc rose for a second day following a Financial Times report that Aviva Plc has begun to reach out directly to shareholders of the insurer. Delivery Hero SE shares fell after the food delivery firm set the price for its Middle Eastern unit’s initial public offering at the top of the range.

Meanwhile, euro-area inflation climbed above the European Central Bank’s 2% target, yet policy makers appear unlikely to be deterred from continuing to lower interest rates next month and beyond, based on statements by officials.

The region’s equities have gained just 0.2% this month as concerns over President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff plans and France’s budget woes have dented sentiment. US stocks have far outperformed Europe this year, with the S&P 500 Index up 26% in 2024 while the Stoxx 600 Index has only managed a 5.8% gain.

S&P Global Ratings is set to review its credit rating of France late Friday. It cut its assessment of the country to AA- in late May — three notches below the top grade — citing its budget deficit. Since then, the situation has only deteriorated, and last month, both Fitch and Moody’s responded to the turmoil by assigning negative outlooks to their ratings.

“The European equity market is a bit complex in the sense that it suffers from a lack of visibility,” said Mabrouk Chetouane, head of global market strategy at Natixis Investment Managers. He noted that the main concerns for investors include Trump’s tariff plans as well as political upheaval in France and Germany.

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–With assistance from Michael Msika.

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