European stock markets stabilized on Wednesday without taking a clear upward or downward trend, as fears about violent protests in France offset support from a strong set of corporate earnings, keeping risk appetite limited.
Reuters reported that the European Stoxx 600 index stabilized at 638.80 points by 07:13 GMT. The Dutch Randstad share jumped 11.6 percent after the recruitment company announced a 3.9 percent growth in core revenue for the third quarter, surpassing analysts' average forecast of 2.9 percent.
Meanwhile, the EssilorLuxottica share rose 11.1 percent after it announced a 7.2 percent increase in third-quarter revenue at constant exchange rates, exceeding analysts' expectations. However, sentiments remained fragile, and investors assessed the potential repercussions of unrest in France, which heightened concerns about the country's weak public finances and slowing growth.
The Carrefour share fell 12.5 percent after the French retail chain lowered its annual profit forecast, stating that riots, looting, and curfews increased costs and disrupted operations in its stores. France witnessed widespread protests last weekend against rising living costs and the deterioration of education and public services, accompanied by clashes with security forces and acts of violence, looting, and vandalism targeting shops and public buildings in Paris and several French cities.
Organizers of the demonstrations indicated that they called for renewed protests next Saturday, amid ongoing tensions that have affected the stability of European markets.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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