Stability Ahead of US Economic Data: European Stock Markets Pause

European stock markets are on hold on Thursday, bracing for significant economic data from the United States. Despite minor fluctuations on the surface of the leading indices, a high dynamic can be observed in the detail of individual stocks. A trade driven by figures is causing significant price swings in certain securities. The EuroStoxx 50 shows little movement and remains close to the previous day's level, while the French Cac 40 follows this trend with a stagnating tendency. However, the British FTSE 100 records a slight increase of 0.18 percent, reaching 7638.99 points. Focus is on the soon-expected US economic data, which is considered a benchmark for the monetary policy of the Federal Reserve. According to Helaba expert forecasts, the January numbers indicate no decline and thus little reason for new interest rate speculation. Construction industry stocks recognized the opportunity and recorded above-average gains. CRH leads with a substantial increase of 6.6 percent, which the company was able to achieve after a positive business balance and outlook. The Irish conglomerate also plans for an increase in revenues this year. Other representatives of the construction materials industry, notably Holcim, also recorded share price gains. In contrast, technology stocks are dampening the mood. Negative signals are set by US counterparts - Salesforce with a sobering revenue outlook and cloud provider Snowflake, whose stock fell sharply ahead of market opening. Also affected is AMS Osram, whose share price was corrected down by a dramatic 44 percent, as the company had to announce high write-offs after a cancellation of an order and at the same time had to reduce its medium-term targets. The food industry is also experiencing a downturn. AB Inbev, the world's largest beer company, had to accept a nick in sales due to weaker business in the US, leading to a share price decline of 1.8 percent. Shares of Air France-KLM are also under fire. Following the announcement of a loss in the fourth quarter due to avoided destinations close to conflict-affected regions and additional engine repairs, the share price fell by a significant 7.7 percent. A counterbalancing move is provided by British Airways' parent company, IAG. With a tailwind from increasing travel demand and thus higher revenues and profits, the group closes the year. The positive developments of the last quarter are reflected in a share price increase of 1.4 percent.