European stock markets closed mostly higher this Thursday (11), driven by the banking sector, as the market considers interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed, the North American central bank) and signaling a possible adjustment in Swiss rates. Technology-related stocks, however, came under pressure as a result of Oracle’s balance sheet in the US.
In London, the FTSE 100 closed up 0.49%, at 9,703 points. In Frankfurt, the DAX rose 0.61%, to 24,278 points. In Paris, the CAC 40 advanced 0.79%, to 8,085 points. In Milan, the FTSE MIB gained 0.54%, at 43,702 points. In Madrid, the Ibex 35 registered gains of 0.85%, at 16,904 points. In Lisbon, the PSI 20 lost 0.31%, to 7,993 points. Quotes are preliminary.
European markets opened lower, but gained strength throughout the morning and established an upward trend supported by the advance of the banking sector (+1.78%) in the Stoxx 600, as investors considered prospects for monetary policy.
After , this Thursday (11) the Swiss Central Bank kept its basic interest rate unchanged at zero, as expected, but signaled that it is open to a new cut that could take borrowing costs below zero, if there is a threat of a prolonged period of deflation. According to Capital Economics, the forecast is that a reduction to -0.25% will occur in June.
The Swiss decision comes a week before the meetings of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE), which focus market expectations. In a speech this Thursday (11), the president of the British BC, Andrew Bailey, highlighted that there is widespread uncertainty.
In Paris and Milan, shares in luxury companies LVMH (+1.16%) and Brunello Cucinelli (+3.22%) also helped boost stock market gains, after the Italian company revealed strong guidance for sector growth in 2026.
Earlier, European markets were pressured by the technology sub-index (+0.14%) with the repercussion of Oracle’s results, but shares in the sector recovered and closed close to stability. In the energy sector, Naturgy lost 6.35%, after BlackRock, its largest investor, sold its stake in the Spanish company.
The market is also following developments on a possible ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia, after Kiev presented a review of Washington’s peace plan, with the defense sub-index falling 0.47%.
