On August 21, 2025, European equity markets showed little change as trading paused in anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium. Investors are awaiting Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech for signals about rate cuts ahead. Market strategist Daniela Hathorn warned that high inflation and political instability could leave markets ill-equipped if Powell delivers a more hawkish message.
Economic indicators offered some support: the eurozone’s flash PMI climbed to its strongest reading in 15 months, driven by improved new order flows. Amid global tensions, defense stocks benefited from renewed investor interest tied to Ukraine-Russia peace talks. In corporate news, WH Smith plunged sharply after downgrading its profit outlook due to an accounting mishap; Aegon rallied following a share buyback announcement and talk of a U.S. headquarters shift; CTS Eventim slumped on mixed earnings; Aker BP gained on the back of a big oil discovery in the North Sea; and Novonesis dipped post-earnings.
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