On Friday, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose by 0.2%, reflecting a generally positive sentiment among investors despite mixed performances across major European markets. The Stoxx Aerospace and Defense index saw a notable increase of about 1%, driven by heightened concerns following a Russian drone strike in Romania, a NATO and EU member.
Creotech Instruments, a Polish aerospace firm, surged 19%, while Austrian company FACC gained 3.2%. Meanwhile, Asian markets remained resilient, with South Korea's Kospi and Japan's Topix reaching record highs, seemingly unfazed by Iran's recent military actions, which included missile launches and drone deployments.
Reports indicated that the U.S. and Iran are nearing an agreement to extend the ceasefire for an additional 60 days, which would also facilitate discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program.
In the U.S., major stock indices also showed gains, with the Dow Jones up 0.7%, the S&P 500 rising 0.4%, and the Nasdaq increasing by 0.4%, suggesting a broader positive market reaction to the potential easing of geopolitical tensions