FX.co ★ European Stocks Close Lower for 2nd Session

European stocks experienced a notable decline on Friday, continuing the downward trend from the previous day. This dip comes as investors evaluate increasing risks to economic growth, despite indications of spending increases from the Eurozone's largest economies. The STOXX 50 dropped by 0.4%, closing at 5,430, while the STOXX 600 decreased by 0.6%, ending at 550. Concerns about growth in the region were highlighted following remarks from ECB Governing Council members Lagarde and De Guindos, who cautioned about potential risks to the bloc's economic output. Additionally, investors reduced their risk exposure in anticipation of possible escalations in tariff disputes between the EU and the US, expected next week. The industrial sector suffered the most, with Siemens and Schneider both falling by over 2%. Moreover, DHL's shares declined by 2.4% following the temporary closure of London's Heathrow Airport due to an electrical grid fire. Leisure airline stocks also dropped within the wider index. Nonetheless, both indices posted gains over the course of the week.