German Factory Orders Surprise Markets as European Equities Continue Rally

European stock markets extended their winning streak into a fourth session, buoyed by encouraging industrial data from Germany and robust corporate earnings. The catalyst: factory orders in Europe’s largest economy surged 1.5 percent month-on-month in October, significantly outpacing analyst expectations of just 0.3 percent growth and signaling underlying strength in domestic consumption.

Factory Orders Defy Slowdown Concerns

The German manufacturing sector delivered a notable beat despite a moderation from September’s revised 2.0 percent expansion. On an annual comparison, orders fell 0.7 percent versus September’s 3.4 percent decline, yet the monthly rebound captured investor attention. Economists viewed the data as evidence that domestic demand remains resilient even as headlines highlight broader European economic headwinds. This German quotes snapshot provided the market confidence boost needed to sustain Friday’s upside momentum.

Broad-Based European Gains

The continent-wide Stoxx 600 index climbed 0.3 percent to 580.52, adding to Thursday’s half-percent gain. German equities led regional advances with the DAX rising 0.6 percent, while France’s CAC 40 ticked up 0.3 percent and Britain’s FTSE 100 gained 0.2 percent. Banking stocks and automotive shares particularly benefited from the optimistic tone.

Stock-Specific Movers

Airbus attracted buyers in Paris, with shares climbing approximately 1 percent following disclosure that the aerospace manufacturer delivered 72 aircraft during November. Ocado emerged as the session’s biggest winner, jumping more than 9 percent after announcing a $350 million one-time payment from U.S. grocer Kroger, contingent on closing three fulfilment centers and scrapping the planned Charlotte, North Carolina facility.

Swiss Re, the global reinsurer headquartered in Zurich, proved the day’s laggard, sliding 6 percent as management unveiled fresh targets ahead of 2026. Markets will now pivot to U.S. inflation readings later Friday, with investors monitoring whether the data influences the Federal Reserve’s rate path for next week.