Europe Solid at Weekend, Markets Ready to React to Warsh
European stocks closed higher on Friday (January 30th), with market participants remaining focused on two major themes: the direction of international relations and the earnings season. The Stoxx 600 Index rose around 0.4%–0.5%, with most sectors also in the green.
Earnings remain the primary focus. A busy week, with Friday being relatively quiet—before the next wave of reports next week. Risk-on sentiment remains, but the market is also aware that geopolitical headlines and tariff issues could cause sudden volatility.
In individual stocks, Adidas surged after its performance update and buyback news. Preliminary data showed double-digit revenue for 2025 (currency-neutral) and total revenue reaching a record of around €24.81 billion.
Meanwhile, in Spain, CaixaBank also stole the show: 2025 net profit rose to €5.89 billion (above expectations), and the bank raised its total dividend to €0.50 per share. Its shares also jumped sharply.
Globally, markets are also looking to Washington: Trump has announced he will nominate Kevin Warsh (a former Fed governor) to replace Jerome Powell when Powell's term ends in May 2026—news that could potentially alter interest rate expectations and market reactions going forward.
Source: Newsmaker.id