European markets ended the week on a positive note on Friday, May 29, 2026, as investors returned to equities following Thursday’s broad pullback. Gains were widespread across the region, signaling renewed confidence and a recovery in risk appetite. The advance was supported by strength in both continental European and U.K. markets, while currency markets also moved modestly higher.

Regional Benchmarks Move Back Into Positive Territory

The MSCI Europe rose 0.38% to 2,777.76, reflecting improved participation across European markets and sectors.

The EURO STOXX 50 gained 0.55% to 6,088.37, highlighting renewed demand for large-cap eurozone companies.

The Euronext 100 Index advanced 0.67% to 1,857.01, making it one of the strongest-performing regional benchmarks of the session.

France Leads the Recovery

France’s CAC 40 surged 0.96% to 8,267.11, making it the strongest major European index of the day. The move reflects broad buying interest across French equities after recent weakness.

Germany’s DAX climbed 0.31% to 25,170.73, extending its overall positive trend and maintaining support from industrial and export-oriented sectors.

U.K. Participates as Currencies Strengthen

The FTSE 100 gained 0.23% to 10,449.80, contributing to the broader regional recovery.

Currency markets also posted modest gains. The Euro Index rose 0.16% to 116.45, while the British Pound Index gained 0.12% to 134.41.

The simultaneous rise in equities and currencies suggests a healthier risk environment compared with the previous session.

Outlook

Looking ahead, the broad-based recovery across European markets indicates that investor confidence remains resilient despite periodic volatility. The strength in France, Germany, and regional benchmarks suggests that buyers continue to view pullbacks as opportunities rather than signs of a sustained downturn. Market participants will continue monitoring economic indicators, inflation trends, central bank guidance, corporate developments, and global market conditions for direction. While volatility remains a risk, the latest session demonstrates that underlying demand for European equities remains intact as markets move toward the end of May.