European equities ended the week on a cautious note, closing lower on Friday as investors weighed mixed corporate earnings, stronger regional currencies, and lingering concerns about slowing global demand. The session saw modest but widespread losses, led by declines in Germany and pan-European benchmarks, while currency strength added to pressure on exporters.

The DAX Performance Index fell 0.79% to 23,545.93, its weakest level in nearly two weeks, while the Euro Stoxx 50 lost 0.78% to 5,567.39. France’s CAC 40 and the UK’s FTSE 100 also slipped, reflecting cautious sentiment across the continent as investors reduced risk exposure heading into the weekend.

DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 Lead Declines as Exporters Struggle

Germany’s DAX declined 0.79%, underperforming its regional peers as industrials and automakers came under selling pressure. A stronger Euro Index, which rose 0.30% to 115.80, weighed on exporters, particularly large-cap firms that rely heavily on international markets. Investors also reacted to weaker-than-expected manufacturing data, suggesting that Europe’s largest economy continues to face headwinds from sluggish global demand and elevated financing costs.

The broader Euro Stoxx 50, which tracks blue-chip companies across the eurozone, dropped 0.78%, marking a third straight day of losses. Energy and consumer discretionary sectors led declines as traders priced in slower earnings growth heading into