Europe Slips, Defence Stocks Roar
European stocks opened slightly lower, extending a mild pullback for a second session as investors weighed softer US signals and rising geopolitical unease, while keeping an eye on a packed European macro calendar.
The STOXX Europe 600 was hovering around 604 points, down modestly.
Pressure was most visible in consumer/retail names after mixed corporate updates. Tesco drew attention following its Christmas trading update and profit guidance, reinforcing a cautious tone around consumer demand.
On the single-stock front, Associated British Foods (ABF) slid sharply after issuing a profit warning tied to weaker Primark sales in continental Europe.
In contrast, European defence stocks surged to fresh records after US President Donald Trump called for a major jump in US military spending, lifting the sector even as broader markets softened.
Markets now turn to upcoming European releases and US weekly jobless claims for fresh direction, as investors refine their view on growth and risk appetite into the next wave of key data.
Source : Newsmaker.id
