European Stocks Rally Amid UK Labor Market Weakness
European equities climbed broadly as disappointing UK employment data weighed on the pound, creating favorable conditions for euro-denominated assets. The STOXX600 edged up 0.15% to 619.45, while London's FTSE 100 outperformed with a 0.5% gain to 10,515.35. Portugal's PSI20 led regional gains, jumping 0.83%.
UK jobless rates hit a five-year high of 5.2% as payrolls shrank by 134,000 year-over-year. Sterling tumbled 0.24% against the dollar, with the currency weakness boosting the relative appeal of European equities. Wage growth figures showed public sector earnings rising 7.2% - a temporary spike from early 2025 pay adjustments.