26 November 2025 – Europe: European equities edged higher on Wednesday, bolstered by growing expectations of a U.S. Federal Reserve rate cut and optimism over potential progress in Ukraine peace talks.

The STOXX 600 rose 0.4% to 570.25 points, following its strongest daily gain in two weeks on Tuesday. Major indexes also advanced, with Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 up 0.5%, while London’s FTSE 100 added 0.2% ahead of the UK budget announcement.

Markets were supported by soft U.S. economic data and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s indication of willingness to advance a U.S.-backed framework to end the war with Russia. Defence stocks were up 0.8%, reflecting ongoing geopolitical concerns.

Among individual performers, Germany’s Puma gained 1.9% after U.S. retailer Urban Outfitters reported third-quarter revenue exceeding expectations.

Investors now await the UK autumn budget, where Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is expected to outline substantial tax measures.