European Markets Edge Lower Amid Mixed Economic Data and U.S. Earnings Season

European stock markets traded slightly lower on Friday, as investors digested disappointing British growth data while awaiting key U.S. bank earnings and an anticipated fiscal policy briefing from China.

As of 03:10 ET (07:10 GMT), Germany’s DAX index fell 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.1%, and the FTSE 100 in the U.K. declined 0.4%.

U.K. Growth Slows, But Recession Unlikely
Data released Friday showed that the British economy grew 0.2% in August, meeting expectations but showing a slower recovery after two months of stagnation. On a yearly basis, economic output increased 1.0%, falling short of the 1.4% forecast. Analysts from Capital Economics suggested that this data supports the view of a mild economic slowdown rather than an impending recession in the U.K.

Germany’s Inflation Eases Ahead of ECB Meeting
In Germany, inflation eased to 1.8% in September, as confirmed by federal statistics. This comes ahead of the European Central Bank meeting next week, where policymakers are expected to introduce further monetary easing measures, especially as inflation in the eurozone’s largest economy is now below the ECB’s medium-term target.

Focus Shifts to Chinese Fiscal Policy Announcement
Investors are eagerly awaiting a fiscal policy briefing in China on Saturday, where the Chinese finance ministry is expected to announce significant stimulus measures to reinvigorate the country’s struggling economy. Speculation suggests Beijing may unveil between 2 trillion to 3 trillion yuan ($280-$420 billion) in new spending, with hopes this will boost demand in key European export markets. However, investor caution remains after earlier briefings fell short of expectations.

China’s economy has been facing headwinds, including weak consumer spending and ongoing issues in its real estate sector, and any meaningful stimulus could have far-reaching implications for European exporters.

BP Declines on Flat Output Forecast
Shares of BP fell nearly 1% after the energy company announced that third-quarter output is expected to remain “broadly flat,” with net debt likely to rise by the end of the quarter.

U.S. Bank Earnings to Start Earnings Season
Attention is also turning to the U.S., where banking giants JPMorgan Chase, BNY Mellon, and Wells Fargo are set to release quarterly earnings. These results are closely watched as they typically mark the start of the U.S. earnings season and will be a test for a stock market near record highs.

Tesla Unveils Cybercab Robotaxi
Tesla also remains in focus after unveiling its long-awaited Cybercab robotaxi on Thursday. CEO Elon Musk announced that production of the autonomous vehicle will begin by 2026, with a price target of under $30,000, a move that could shake up the electric vehicle market.