European stock markets closed with gains, in a session marked by corporate results and the ECB's decision to maintain interest rates. The Stoxx 600 gained 0.8%, supported by the recovery of sovereign yields and the accounts of industrial and energy companies.
Industry stood out positively, while consumer staples were among the most lagging sectors.
By indices, the Ibex 35 closed practically flat, after having lost nearly 1% during the morning, while the Euro Stoxx 50 rose by 0.6%. The pressure and decline of Spanish financial entities explained much of the divergence from the European average.
The ECB kept its interest rates unchanged after the September increase. The institution warned that rising energy costs continue to pose upward risks for inflation and downward risks for growth, although it does not yet see a significant transfer to wages. The meeting was also marked by Christine Lagarde's announcement that she will step down as president on 7 February 2027, before the end of her term.
At the European close, the S&P 500 fell by 0.4%, the Nasdaq by 1.3% and the Dow Jones by 0.4%. Sales were concentrated in communication services and technology after Alphabet lost more than 12% following its results, amid concerns over the strong increase in investments in artificial intelligence and its impact on cash generation.