MacroGlideThe Market Thesis

Daily Summary

Europe & UK Edition

October 29, 2026 at 5:30 AM ET

Markets Recap for October 28, 2026

US Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady, BoE Decision Looms

What's in the markets today?

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at its latest meeting, maintaining a tight policy stance as inflation remained elevated and setting the tone for global central bank decisions. In Europe, the November GfK Consumer Confidence reading for Germany fell further to -30.8, signaling continuing pressure on household expectations ahead of the winter months. European equity indices were mixed, with the DAX 40 rising 0.44% while the CAC 40 barely moved, reflecting diverging sector moves and cautious trading before the Bank of England’s upcoming rate call. Oil prices climbed 2.88% on the day, as WTI crude was bid higher on persistent signals of tight physical supply heading into year-end. Meanwhile, several major European companies released earnings-including Airbus SE and UBS Group AG-drawing attention to how sector leaders are navigating challenging business conditions across the region.

Benchmark Moves

The DAX 40 gained 0.44% to 25,704, with European trading having closed before the US Federal Reserve's decision was published later that day. WTI crude oil rose 2.88% to $102.78, reflecting ongoing supply dynamics that raise input costs for major European manufacturers. Gold slipped 0.56% to $4,051.60, offering little hedge as energy prices climbed. This combination points to upward pressure on costs and margins across assets in the European market.

EURO STOXX 50
STOXX50E
EURO STOXX 50
6,167.81
+3.12+0.05%
DAX 40
DAX40
DAX 40
25,704.02
+113.25+0.44%
CAC 40
CAC40
CAC 40
7,886.96
-0.18-0.00%
FTSE 100
FTSE100
FTSE 100
10,694.50
+7.96+0.07%
FTSE MIB
FTSEMIB
FTSE MIB
49,824.30
+196.35+0.40%

Market data as of Oct 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Nestlé
NESN
Nestlé
82.81
-0.44-0.53%
ASML Holding
ASML.AS
ASML Holding
1,489.60
+19.60+1.33%
SAP SE
SAP.DE
SAP SE
211.20
-1.95-0.91%
Hermès
RMS
Hermès
1,259.50
-9.00-0.71%
Novartis
NOVN
Novartis
129.22
+0.44+0.34%

Market data as of Oct 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Commodities & Crypto

Detailed View →
Gold
GC
Gold
4,051.60
-23.00-0.56%
Silver
SI
Silver
53.67
-0.85-1.55%
WTI Crude Oil
CL
WTI Crude Oil
102.78
+2.88+2.88%
Natural Gas
NG
Natural Gas
3.03
+0.03+0.93%
Bitcoin
BTCUSDT
Bitcoin
79,906.01
-1,437.49-1.77%

Market data as of Oct 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

Key Financial Reports

Earnings from major European firms leaned positive, with several reporting stronger profits and operating metrics. Telenor ASA (TELNY) delivered $0.289 EPS, citing a return to group service revenue growth, improved EBITDA, and a record Swedish margin, despite ongoing subscriber declines in Norway. Airbus SE (EADSY) posted $0.46 EPS as revenue, deliveries, and orders rose, but the company faced negative free cash flow and headwinds from supply chain and engine issues. This set of results supports a read-through of resilience in telecom and mixed momentum in European industrials, as cash flow and supply constraints remain key variables.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Detailed View →
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S.
TKGBY
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi A.S.
Actual
0.16
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Telenor ASA
TELNY
Telenor ASA
Actual
0.29
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Airbus SE
EADSY
Airbus SE
Actual
0.46
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
UBS Group AG
UBS
UBS Group AG
Actual
0.85
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Banco Santander, S.A.
SAN
Banco Santander, S.A.
Actual
0.26
Estimate
0.26
Surprise
0.00%
Previous
0.27

EPS reported on October 28, 2026 ET. Figures use each company's reported basis.

Key Macroeconomic Reports

Europe faces ongoing economic pressure as evidenced by key indicators. Germany's GfK Consumer Confidence index fell to -30.8, while France's unemployment benefit claims surged to 110.8K, indicating stress in both consumer sentiment and the labor market. This combination signals a weakening economic environment, suggesting that central banks may need to remain cautious as they approach rate-setting decisions.

Macroeconomic Data

Detailed View →
DE
DE | GfK Consumer Confidence
03:00
Actual
-30.80
Forecast
-30.90
Previous
-30.60
CH
CH | ZEW Survey - Expectations
05:00
Actual
-15.30
Forecast
-
Previous
2.60
FR
FR | Unemployment Benefit Claims
07:00
Actual
110.80K
Forecast
-
Previous
-61.30K
CH
CH | Economic Sentiment Index
05:00
Actual
-15.30
Forecast
-
Previous
2.60
IT
IT | Industrial Sales YoY
05:00
Actual
4.20
Forecast
-
Previous
4.90

Macroeconomic data released on October 28, 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.

US makes interest rate decision - as Bank of England verdict looms

The Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates unchanged despite ongoing high inflation and pressure from Donald Trump to reduce borrowing costs. This decision comes as the central bank navigates economic challenges and seeks to maintain stability in the financial system. The Fed's stance reflects a cautious approach to monetary policy amid uncertain economic conditions.

Source: Sky News — Business

Budget: Healey hikes taxes and delays defence spending as economy set to slump

Chancellor John Healey has presented his first Budget, which includes tax increases and financial support for households and businesses. The measures aim to address economic challenges as forecasts indicate a potential slump in the economy. Healey's Budget reflects a commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support the public during difficult times.

Source: City A.M.

BNP Paribas downplays French debt exposure as stock trading lifts profit

BNP Paribas reported better-than-expected profits in the third quarter, driven by a remarkable 50% increase in revenue from equities trading. The French bank also announced a significant €1.3 billion share buyback while minimizing concerns about its exposure to French debt. This strong performance highlights the bank's resilience and adaptability in a challenging economic environment, showcasing its ability to leverage market opportunities effectively.

Source: Euronews — Business

German chemicals giant BASF raises profit guidance after Iran war price hikes

BASF has raised its profit guidance for 2026 for the second time this year, following price increases for certain products due to the Iran war. The German chemicals giant's updated outlook reflects its ability to adapt to market conditions and capitalize on pricing power. This adjustment signals confidence in the company's financial performance amid geopolitical challenges.

Source: Euronews — Business

Budget 2026: Healey bets £700m on AI to boost British tech firms

In his first Autumn Budget, John Healey announced over £700m in funding aimed at enhancing AI safety and supporting British tech firms. This investment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the UK's technology sector and foster innovation. Healey's commitment to AI reflects the government's recognition of its importance in driving economic growth.

Source: City A.M.

Other Headlines

FT UKOct 28, 2026

Chancellor’s Budget placates markets but delays crunch decisions

City A.M.Oct 28, 2026

Budget 2026: Healey faces ‘£11bn hole’ as growth slashed and inflation to rise higher

Sky News — BusinessOct 28, 2026

JPMorgan Chase faces £100m-plus tax bill from Healey raid

FT UKOct 28, 2026

UK living standards will flatline this decade, says OBR

City A.M.Oct 28, 2026

Budget 2026: Green levies stripped from energy bills

Sky News — BusinessOct 28, 2026

Main budget announcements at a glance

Politico Europe — EconomyOct 28, 2026

Healey targets Brits’ energy costs, raids banks in first budget

CNBC — UK/EuropeOct 28, 2026

Oil prices rise as U.S. reportedly tells Gulf countries to prepare for Iran strikes after midterm elections

The New York Times — EuropeOct 28, 2026

Trump Officials Discussing Sanctions Relief for Russian Fund, Russia Acknowledges

FT EU EconomyOct 28, 2026

The ECB needs a smooth transmission and a smooth transition

Enjoying The Market Thesis? Get more news and analysis with our regional editions for The United States and Asia & Pacific.
If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.
To stop receiving The Market Thesis, unsubscribe.

Follow Us

© MacroGlide LLC 2026. All rights reserved.

You received this email because you are subscribed to MacroGlide's The Market Thesis newsletter. If someone forwarded you this email, you can sign up here to receive future editions directly in your inbox. Content may include material from third-party sources. Such content remains the property of its respective owners and is used for informational purposes only. All content provided by MacroGlide LLC is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments. MacroGlide LLC assumes no liability for any actions taken based on this information.

MacroGlide LLC.5900 Balcones Drive STE 100

Austin, TX 78731