European Markets Rise as Wall Street Optimism Influences Trading

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

Source: CNBC

Updated: Dec 12 2025

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Source: CNBC

European Market Sentiment: European markets opened higher, buoyed by a record-setting session in the U.S., with the pan-European Stoxx 600 up 0.2% at the opening bell.
Geopolitical Tensions: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Europe must prepare for potential war due to escalating tensions with Russia, which has deemed the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine as illegal.
U.S. National Security Strategy: The White House's new national security strategy has raised concerns in Europe, suggesting a need for European nations to prioritize their defense, as highlighted by former CIA Director David Petraeus.
Economic Updates: The U.K. economy unexpectedly contracted in the last quarter, while inflation data from Germany, France, and Spain is anticipated, and the euro reached its highest value against the dollar since early October.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.