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Daily Summary

Europe & UK Edition

August 4, 2026 at 5:30 AM ET

Markets Recap for August 3, 2026

European Stocks Gain Amid Positive Earnings and Economic Data

What's in the markets today?

European equity markets climbed on the back of strong corporate earnings and positive economic signals. The DAX 40 gained 1.45%, driven by a notable 4.41% rebound in SAP shares, which reflects robust performance in the tech sector. Meanwhile, Germany's retail sales fell 0.2% year-on-year, reinforcing concerns about consumer spending trends. Yet, stability in inflation rates was observed, with Germany's consumer price index (CPI) at 0.4%, indicating manageable price growth. This combination of factors suggests that markets are recalibrating their strategies in response to changing consumer behavior and corporate results.

Benchmark Moves

European benchmark indexes gained ground today as the DAX 40 rose 1.45%, reflecting renewed investor confidence in tech-sector earnings. The CAC 40 also saw a 1.22% increase with companies like SAP contributing positively. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 edged lower by 0.10%, highlighting a divergence in sector performance amid inflation concerns. The overall trends indicate a cautious recovery as markets respond to both corporate results and economic data.

EURO STOXX 50
STOXX50E
EURO STOXX 50
6,469.27
+42.77+0.67%
DAX 40
DAX40
DAX 40
26,001.31
+372.07+1.45%
CAC 40
CAC40
CAC 40
8,613.82
+104.18+1.22%
FTSE 100
FTSE100
FTSE 100
10,857.70
-10.35-0.10%
FTSE MIB
FTSEMIB
FTSE MIB
52,871.72
+699.19+1.34%

Market data as of Aug 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Nestlé
NESN
Nestlé
80.77
-0.24-0.30%
ASML Holding
ASML
ASML Holding
1,419.60
-14.60-1.02%
SAP SE
SAP
SAP SE
164.64
+6.96+4.41%
Hermès
RMS
Hermès
1,560.50
+29.00+1.89%
Novartis
NOVN
Novartis
124.50
-2.10-1.66%

Market data as of Aug 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Commodities & Crypto

Detailed View →
Gold
GC
Gold
4,120.40
+29.90+0.73%
Silver
SI
Silver
59.16
+1.31+2.26%
WTI Crude Oil
CL
WTI Crude Oil
80.88
+0.54+0.67%
Natural Gas
NG
Natural Gas
2.76
-0.02-0.61%
Bitcoin
BTCUSDT
Bitcoin
63,708.55
+188.55+0.30%

Market data as of Aug 3, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

Key Financial Reports

Earnings reports today displayed mixed results across sectors, with a positive beat from Sportradar Group AG (SRAD) at $0.17, surpassing estimates of $0.06. In contrast, Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (JAZZ) reported a significant miss at -$9.07 compared to the expected $5.06, raising questions about future growth prospects. This balance reflects a wider trend in the market where technology and gaming sectors are performing well, while pharmaceuticals face challenges. The earnings landscape indicates a shift in investor focus toward sectors that show strong operational momentum.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Detailed View →
CNH Industrial N.V.
CNH
CNH Industrial N.V.
Actual
0.13
Estimate
0.11
Surprise
18.18%
Previous
0.01
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
FMS
Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA
Actual
0.65
Estimate
0.62
Surprise
5.03%
Previous
0.53
Sportradar Group AG
SRAD
Sportradar Group AG
Actual
-0.01
Estimate
0.06
Surprise
-116.67%
Previous
-0.02
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
JAZZ
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc
Actual
4.89
Estimate
5.06
Surprise
-3.36%
Previous
5.46
Grifols, S.A.
GRFS
Grifols, S.A.
Actual
0.19
Estimate
0.27
Surprise
-29.63%
Previous
-

EPS reported on August 3, 2026 ET. Figures use each company's reported basis.

Key Macroeconomic Reports

Recent macroeconomic indicators suggest a mixed outlook for the European economy. In Germany, retail sales decreased by 0.2% year-on-year, reflecting potential weakness in consumer spending. However, the slight inflation rate of 0.4% points to stable price levels, which could support economic stability. These factors suggest that while consumer sentiment may be cautious, inflationary pressures remain manageable, allowing for potential policy adjustments.

Macroeconomic Data

Detailed View →
DE
DE | Retail Sales (YoY)
2:00
Actual
-0.20
Forecast
-
Previous
1.80
CH
CH | CPI (YoY)
2:30
Actual
0.40
Forecast
-
Previous
0.50
DE
DE | Retail Sales MoM
2:00
Actual
-1.10
Forecast
-0.50
Previous
1.20
CH
CH | Inflation Rate YoY
2:30
Actual
0.40
Forecast
0.40
Previous
0.50
ES
ES | S&P Global Mfg PMI
3:15
Actual
50.20
Forecast
50.00
Previous
49.70

Macroeconomic data released on August 3, 2026 ET.

Top Stories

A quick look at the five stories that shaped today's market sentiment. Explained with brief context highlighting why each story mattered today.

Shipbroker shares fly on Iran war windfall

Shares in Clarksons increased by as much as eight percent on Monday following the shipbroker's announcement of a record first-half performance. This surge reflects strong investor confidence in the company's financial results. The record performance indicates a significant growth trajectory for Clarksons in the current market environment. The increase in share value highlights the positive impact of recent developments in the shipping industry.

Source: City A.M.

Housebuilder shares rally on Iran war peace hopes and help-to-buy revival

Housebuilder shares experienced a notable increase amid optimism regarding a potential peace deal in the Iran war. Additionally, there are reports suggesting that the UK government may revive the help-to-buy scheme, which could further stimulate the housing market. This combination of factors has led to a rally in housebuilder stocks. Investors are reacting positively to the prospect of improved market conditions.

Source: City A.M.

Major oil companies reap profits as US-Iran fighting drives energy prices higher

Major oil companies reported substantial profits during the spring as fighting between the US and Iran disrupted petroleum shipments. This conflict has led to increased energy prices, resulting in higher costs for consumers worldwide. The combination of supply chain issues and rising demand has created a challenging environment for fuel availability. The financial gains for these companies reflect the broader impact of geopolitical tensions on the energy market.

Source: Euronews — Business

Astrazeneca explores $400bn megadeal with US rival

Astrazeneca is in discussions regarding a potential $400 billion merger with US-based Bristol Myers Squibb. If successful, this deal could create one of the largest pharmaceutical companies globally. The merger talks indicate Astrazeneca's strategic move to expand its market presence and capabilities. This potential consolidation in the pharmaceutical sector reflects ongoing trends of mergers and acquisitions aimed at enhancing competitive advantages.

Source: City A.M.

Oil price falls but Trump and Iran clash on negotiations claim

Oil prices declined after former President Donald Trump canceled planned strikes on Iran, easing immediate tensions in the region. However, negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal remain stalled, leaving uncertainty in the market. The drop in oil prices suggests a temporary relief for consumers, but the underlying geopolitical issues continue to pose risks. Market analysts are closely monitoring the situation for further developments that could impact energy prices.

Source: City A.M.

Other Headlines

Euronews — BusinessAug 3, 2026

Second tanker with Qatari LNG struck in Hormuz within a month as force majeure widens

FT UKAug 3, 2026

Apple launches legal challenge to UK attempt to access encrypted user data

Euronews — BusinessAug 3, 2026

Oil prices lower on Middle East hopes and as OPEC+ boosts production

FT EuropeAug 3, 2026

UBS fined $125mn over lax money laundering controls

City A.M.Aug 3, 2026

London’s IPO lull expected to last into 2027

Sky News — BusinessAug 3, 2026

Guinness-owner Diageo poaches P&G exec as City awaits turnaround plan

Politico Europe — EconomyAug 3, 2026

Europe’s ETS revision is an opportunity to strengthen maritime competitiveness

CNBC — UK/EuropeAug 3, 2026

Trump says Exxon and Chevron made 'too much money' off high oil prices during Iran conflict: 'I don't like it'

The New York Times — EuropeAug 3, 2026

Russian Strike Destroyed Millions of H.I.V. Prevention Supplies in Ukraine

FT EU EconomyAug 3, 2026

European wildfire costs this year have already surpassed €3bn

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