European Indexes Mostly Higher at Open

A facts-only brief, written by a local AI model from this article in The Wall Street Journal, October 26, 2026. It may contain mistakes, and it is not the article: the full story is at wsj.com.

European stock indexes generally rose at the open, with the Stoxx 600 gaining 0.3% as automotive and healthcare sectors strengthened. The German DAX increased 0.4% driven by gains in Bayer and major carmakers, while the French CAC 40 climbed 0.5% led by Stellantis. In contrast, Spain’s IBEX 35 fell 0.6% due to sharp declines in Brazilian-exposed banks, including Santander, which dropped over 5%. The Dutch AEX slipped 0.15% as ASML shares declined 0.5% because recent purchases would not receive a dividend payout.

Background

• Gavekal Research suggests investors view the potential selloff in Brazilian markets following Lula’s election victory as a buying opportunity, citing high interest rates and conservative legislative control.
• AmInvestment Bank analysts warn that Malaysian consumer retailers may face increased price competition from expanding Chinese merchants, favoring discount stores and essential goods providers.
• Nomura economists note that South Korea’s weight-loss drug boom, with prescriptions exceeding 1.86 million in the first half of 2026, could reduce dining out and divert household spending from other discretionary items.
• Japanese stocks fell 0.5% as semiconductor and electronics shares declined amid persistent concerns over the Iran conflict and rising energy costs.

Read the full article at wsj.com

More from Monday, October 26: