European and global markets were in focus on Tuesday as a mix of geopolitical developments, trade discussions, and corporate earnings shaped investor sentiment.
This ranged from China-EU trade talks to rising European equities, along with heightened tensions surrounding Russia and Ukraine.
China-EU discussions
Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic held a video call on Tuesday to discuss export controls and the EU’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles.
Following the meeting, Wang emphasized that Beijing is “committed to maintaining the security and stability of the global production” and has facilitated approvals for EU companies.
Addressing the Nexperia case, the minister opposed the broad application of “national security” and encouraged the Netherlands to respect contract and market principles.
Sefcovic, meanwhile, highlighted the EU’s willingness to work with China to “properly handle economic and trade frictions.”
Both parties agreed to hold follow-up talks in Brussels on export control issues “as soon as possible.”
European markets
Major European stock indices ended Tuesday’s trading session higher as investor attention shifted toward economic indicators and corporate earnings rather than geopolitics.
In Germany, the DAX rose 0.13%, boosted by MTU Aero Engines, which climbed 4.96%.
In France, the CAC 40 gained 0.68%, led by Edenred’s 19.64% surge.
The Euro Stoxx 50 edged up 0.13%, and London’s FTSE 100 added 0.28%, supported by a 5.32% jump in Melrose Industries.
Economic data showed Eurozone construction output weakening slightly in August, while German producer prices fell in September.
Currency movements reflected modest declines, with the euro down 0.25% to $1.16120 and the pound weakening 0.15% to $1.33851 against the dollar.
French minister’s comments
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati defended the security measures at the Louvre Museum following a recent heist.
During a parliamentary debate, she insisted the museum’s security “worked” and was not faulty, two days after burglars stole Napoleonic-era jewelry from the Gallerie d’Apollon.
The investigation is ongoing, and the robbers have not been apprehended.
Notably, the Regent Diamond, the Louvre’s most famous piece, was not taken.
Opposition deputy from the National Rally criticized the government for failing to take responsibility for the theft.
Poland’s threats
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski issued a stark warning regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Sikorski suggested that Poland could arrest Putin if his aircraft flew through Polish airspace en route to a summit in Budapest with US President Donald Trump.
“I cannot guarantee that an independent Polish court will not order the government to escort such an aircraft down to hand the suspect to the court in The Hague,” Sikorski said.
The statement referenced an existing International Criminal Court warrant against Putin for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy’s Comments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on recent delays in Tomahawk missile deliveries from the US, stating that Russia “almost automatically became less interested in diplomacy.”
Zelensky said he plans to meet with European partners soon and highlighted upcoming agreements on Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
He also referenced discussions with Trump last week, emphasizing the importance of air defense while signaling ongoing talks with both the US and European allies regarding long-range missiles.
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