European stocks fell on Thursday, dragged down by a selloff in tech and disappointing updates from several heavyweight retailers, while weaker gold and copper prices weighed on broader market mood. The retreat cools the early-2026 rally in the pan-European STOXX 600, which notched a run of record highs out of the gate this year, underscoring that earnings season may be the next large test of investors’ appetite for risk.
The index fell 0.2% to 603.83, logging its second consecutive day in the red. Technology stocks were the largegest drag on the index, falling 2.2%. Retail stocks slipped 0.6%, snapping a four-day winning streak, while miners fell 1.6% as gold and copper prices eased.
The STOXX aerospace and defence index, however, touched an all-time high after U.S. President Donald Trump called for higher defence spfinishing. Elsewhere, Puma jumped 8.5% after a report stated China’s Anta Sports Products has offered to purchase 29% of the sportswear firm from France’s Pinault family.
DISAPPOINTING EARNINGS SOUR SENTIMENT UK retail stocks slid as fresh trading updates exposed a still-fragile consumer backdrop: shoppers are purchaseing essentials, but considered twice about spfinishing a lot on clothing and gifts over Christmas.
Shares of Associated British Foods fell 14% to their lowest since April after the Primark owner flagged weaker annual profits. The downbeat mood spread to Greggs, which stated consumer confidence remains subdued, sfinishing its shares 6.5% lower. Tesco slid 6.7% after reporting third-quarter sales.
In contrast, Marks & Spencer bucked the trfinish, rising 5% after reporting robust Christmas demand for its premium food range, even as fashion and homeware sales softened. The relocates come as investors gear up for the first earnings season of 2026, hunting for clues on whether retailers can navigate a tricky mix of inflation fatigue and shifting spfinishing habits. While Venezuela headlines continue to drip into markets, traders appear largely desensitized, though the steady stream of news has added a layer of unease, leaving some split between purchaseing the dip and trimming risk.
“Investors are navigating a familiar mix of macro and geopolitical risks. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, fiscal uncertainty and policy noise have encouraged more defensive positioning, while the absence of a clear near-term catalyst has reduced conviction to chase markets higher,” stated Daniela Hathorn, senior market analyst at Capital.com.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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