On Friday,
- European markets closed lower, capping a volatile week as investors reacted to shifting U.S. tariff policies. The U.S. granted temporary exemptions on nearly half of the Canadian and the Mexican imports, adding to market uncertainty. In addition, weaker-than-expected U.S. non-farm payroll data dampened sentiment. Meanwhile, with China still facing a 20% export duty from the U.S., the Eurozone’s luxury sector underperformed, with Burberry Group (BRBY.GB; BRBY:LN), Richemont (CFR.CH; CFR:SW), and Kering (KER.FR; KER:FP) declining 3–6%.
- Among significant movers on the Stoxx 600, shares of the Belgium-based electric power company Elia Group (ELI.BE; ELI:BB) rose more than 17% after the company reported better-than-expected full-year results.
- The Stoxx 600 snapped its 10-week positive streak, closing almost 0.5% lower, in line with its 21-DMA. Next support is at its February 12 high (547; -1%). We recommend a selective approach to adding names on a high-volume breakout or decisive retake of their key moving averages.
- Among sectors, Telecommunications (+203bps), Utility (+160bps), and Food and Beverage (+131bps) were the top gainers, while Mining (-160bps) and Automobile (-139bps) lagged the most.
- Among major indices, France’s CAC 40 breached its 10-DMA on lower volume. The index closed almost 1% lower, with near-term support at its 21-DMA. Germany’s DAX 30 closed 1.7% lower. The index was still trading above all its key support levels. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 closed flat, with support at its 200-DMA (-1.5%).
- Denmark was downgraded to a Downtrend from an Uptrend Under Pressure as the index breached all its moving averages. Portugal was upgraded to a Confirmed Uptrend from a Rally Attempt after the index recorded a follow-through day.
- Six of the 16 indices we track closed in the green. Seven indices are in a Confirmed Uptrend, eight in an Uptrend Under Pressure, and one in a Downtrend. The average distribution day count stood at 4.6.
- Of the 25 European Focus List names, 23 ideas are trading above their 200-DMA, while 12 ideas are trading above their 50-DMA.
- We removed Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI.SE; SOBI:SS) from our European Focus List after the stock breached its 200-DMA on high volume.
- Actionable names in the Focus List include Games Workshop (GAW.GB; GAW:LN), Technogym (TGYM.IT; TGYM:IM), and 3i Group (III.GB; III:LN).