European equities extended their rally on Wednesday as softer crude prices improved market sentiment and traders prepared for a U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate announcement.
By 0810 GMT, the pan-European STOXX 600 index was 0.5% higher at 605.59 points. The gauge recorded its third straight session of gains, marking its longest winning run in a month.
Markets broadly rallied as oil paused recent gains, even while tensions in the Middle East intensified following the killing of Tehran's security chief and subsequent hostilities between Israel and Iran. The energy sector edged down 0.3%, positioned to end an eight-day winning streak on the back of the crude retreat. Financial stocks were the largest positive contributor to the benchmark.
In individual stock moves, Diploma climbed 14.5% after the technical products and services distributor raised its guidance for fiscal year 2026. Bollore jumped 15.7% after the company proposed an exceptional dividend of 1.5 euros per share.
On the macroeconomic front, market participants were set to receive the euro zone's final reading for February consumer prices later in the day. Attention will also focus on the tone and guidance from the Fed, with investors closely parsing any signals about future policy decisions in the wake of the outbreak of the Middle East conflict.
Traders noted the interplay between geopolitical developments and energy markets as a key influence on sector rotations within European indices, while incoming inflation data and the Fed's outlook were expected to shape near-term rate expectations and risk appetite.
Market context
- STOXX 600: up 0.5% to 605.59 at 0810 GMT, third straight session of gains and the longest streak in a month.
- Energy sector: down 0.3%, on track to break an eight-day winning run as crude prices pulled back.
- Notable stock moves: Diploma +14.5% after raising FY2026 guidance; Bollore +15.7% after proposing a 1.5 euro exceptional dividend.
The current environment leaves market participants assessing how lower oil prices and upcoming economic data will interact with central bank decision-making, particularly the Fed, as investors seek clarity on the path for interest rates amid geopolitical uncertainty.