There is a shift underway in European markets as investors digest the first interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve since last December. The policy move, expected by markets, has lifted equity sentiment, particularly boosting technology stocks which had lagged over recent months.
Tech shares are clearly leading the recovery: the STOXX 600 is up modestly, but tech‑oriented indices are gaining faster, reflecting a rebound after losses through July and August. With borrowing costs slightly lower, investments in growth and innovation are getting renewed attention.
The Fed’s message, while confirming the rate cut, emphasised that it will proceed gradually with further cuts, this has dampened hopes of aggressive easing. Domestically, investors in Europe are also watching how government fiscal policy might respond. With concerns about growth, and debt pressures in major markets such as Germany and France, fiscal stimulus or supportive measures are under scrutiny.
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