Real-Time Updates on Stocks, Economic Data, and Earnings

European markets experienced an uptick on Friday as the focus remains on the tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Discussions regarding a potential ceasefire agreement for Ukraine continue to capture the attention of regional traders.

The regional Stoxx 600 was up nearly 0.4% shortly after the market opened, with London’s FTSE 100 rising by 0.3%, and France’s CAC 40 also up by 0.4%. The German Dax increased by 0.3%.

Earlier this week, the EU indicated plans to retaliate against Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum with countermeasures impacting 26 billion euros ($28 billion) in goods. The EU’s tariffs could target clothing, alcohol, and industrial products imported from the U.S.

In response, Trump quickly threatened to impose additional levies on European goods, warning on Thursday of potential 200% duties on champagne and spirits coming from the EU.

The president’s latest warnings towards the EU led to a decline in European shares, resulting in regional markets closing lower on Thursday.

On Friday, corporate earnings are expected to grab investors’ attention, with Daimler and Swiss Life preparing to update shareholders regarding their financials.

German car manufacturer BMW saw a 2.9% dip on the Stoxx 600 index during the early trading hours after announcing a 37% decline in annual profit for 2024, attributed to diminished demand from China.

Kering fell by 11.4% at 8:30 a.m. London time following the announcement of Demna Gvasalia as the new artistic director for its struggling Gucci fashion brand.

As for economic data, the U.K. is set to release January’s gross domestic product figures, while inflation reports are expected from Germany, France, and Spain.

Meanwhile, Asian stocks experienced broad gains overnight, recovering from the previous session’s sell-offs, which were prompted by worries over the ramifications of a global trade war.

On Wall Street, stock futures climbed on Friday morning after the S&P 500 index closed in correction territory on Thursday.