European markets moved higher on October 2, 2026, with all major equity benchmarks in the supplied data posting gains. The session marked a partial recovery from the sharp declines recorded on October 1, when every major equity index fell by more than 1%.

MSCI Europe led the equity rebound, rising 0.75% to 2,707.91. The DAX gained 0.53% to 25,072.50, while the Euronext 100 Index advanced 0.51% to 1,867.00.

Major European Equity Benchmarks Move Higher

The CAC 40 increased 0.50% to 7,874.86, while the EURO STOXX 50 rose 0.48% to 6,205.21. The FTSE 100 posted a smaller gain of 0.29%, ending at 10,458.50.

The broad-based recovery reversed part of the previous session’s losses. MSCI Europe recorded the strongest percentage increase, while the FTSE 100 posted the smallest gain among the major equity benchmarks.

Despite the rebound, the latest index levels remained below those recorded before the sharp October 1 decline, particularly across the broader European indexes.

European Currencies Continue to Weaken

Currency markets moved in the opposite direction from equities. The Euro Index declined 0.75% to 112.46, while the British Pound Index fell 0.55% to 131.97.

The euro recorded the larger decline and extended its recent weakness, moving below its October 1 level of 113.31. The pound also weakened despite the recovery across European equities.

The divergence between equities and currencies remained pronounced, with all major stock benchmarks gaining while both major European currency indexes declined.

Outlook

European markets ended October 2 with a broad equity recovery following the significant losses recorded at the start of the month. MSCI Europe led the rebound, while the DAX, Euronext 100, CAC 40 and EURO STOXX 50 also gained. The FTSE 100 posted a smaller increase. Currency markets remained under pressure, however, with both the euro and pound declining. The next sessions will show whether the equity recovery can continue.