European stock markets showed little net movement on Thursday after Nvidia’s quarterly report fueled debate over artificial intelligence demand, while Brent crude extended losses toward a fourth consecutive daily decline.
The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index slipped 0.1% in midday trading, paring earlier gains that had brought it near one-week highs. Germany’s DAX held flat at -0.01%, while France’s CAC 40 fell 0.2% and the UK’s FTSE 100 declined 0.4%. Regional benchmarks were tracking a cautious tone following Nvidia’s earnings release.
Nvidia reported quarterly revenue more than doubling year-over-year, driven by demand for AI-related chips. CEO Jensen Huang projected strong growth ahead, with fiscal 2028 revenue expected to rise approximately 70%, well above the 44% consensus estimate. Shares rose up to 5.6% in after-hours trading, marking the company’s first positive post-earnings reaction in multiple quarters.
Semiconductor suppliers in Europe followed Nvidia’s gains. ASML Holding NV advanced 2.5%, while STMicroelectronics NV, Infineon Technologies AG, and BE Semiconductors rose between 2% and 4%. The move reflected spillover optimism in the broader tech supply chain.
Brent crude futures fell 0.5% to $87.40 per barrel, extending a four-day losing streak. The decline came as reports suggested Qatar’s prime minister was preparing to visit Tehran to restart U.S.-Iran peace talks, alongside ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman regarding commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
In Germany, consumer confidence improved slightly to -26.6 points for September, according to data from the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions and GfK, though the index remained deeply negative.
