Stocks in Europe End the Day with Gains, Led by Bargain Shopping and Encouraging Economic Statistics

European Stocks Close Higher Amid Mixed Economic Data

European stocks ended the day on a positive note on Wednesday, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 climbing 0.66%. The UK's FTSE 100 gained 0.67%, while Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 closed stronger by 0.46% and 0.86%, respectively.

However, the economic data released on Wednesday painted a mixed picture. The HCOB Eurozone Composite PMI edged up from 50.9 in July to 51.0, marking a 12-month high. This increase was driven by the Service PMI in the UK, which rose to 54.2 in August from 51.8. The UK's S&P Global Composite PMI was also revised slightly higher to 53.5 in August 2025 from an initial estimate of 53.0.

On the other hand, the manufacturing PMI in the UK came in at 47.0 in August, down from 48.0 in the previous month. This decline suggests that the manufacturing sector is still struggling.

In individual stock movements, Ashtead Group climbed nearly 3% after posting in-line quarterly results and lifting its free cash flow guidance. Airbus climbed 3.1% in the French market, while Capgemini gained about 3% as well. In contrast, Puma drifted down 4.1%, and Stellantis closed down 2.6%.

Several European markets, including Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, and Sweden, ended with sharp to moderate gains. However, Renault, Orange, STMicroElectronics and TotalEnergies lost 1.4 to 2% in the French market. Meanwhile, Continental, Heidelberg Materials, Daimler Truck Holding and Commerzbank lost 1.6 to 2.5% in the German market.

Notable gains were also seen in Schneider Electric, Publicis Groupe, Eurofins Scientific, Sanofi, Thales, Veolia Environment, LVMH, ArcelorMittal, Danone, Engie, Vinci and Dassault Systemes in the French market. Fresnillo surged more than 8% in the UK market, while Pearson ended down by about 3.5%.

Infineon tumbled nearly 5% in the German market, contributing to the overall decline in the DAX. The HCOB Composite PMI in France was calculated by S&P Global and came in at 49.8 in August 2025, up from 48.6 in July. The HCOB Germany Composite PMI was revised lower to 50.5 in August 2025 from a preliminary of 50.9.

Overall, the European markets showed resilience amid mixed economic data, with many stocks ending the day with impressive gains. However, concerns over the manufacturing sector and individual company performances continue to linger.

Stocks in Europe End the Day with Gains, Led by Bargain Shopping and Encouraging Economic Statistics