Public Markets 3h Briefing
×Last updated: August 9, 2026, 2:37 AM ET
European Equities
European stocks ft.com rallied as companies in the Stoxx Europe 600 are on track to deliver a 22% jump in second-quarter profits, enticing investors back after a period dominated by Iran-war gloom. The strong earnings momentum helped the index recoup earlier losses, with particularly robust results in the industrials and technology sectors nytimes.com. The rebound suggests that corporate fundamentals are outweighing geopolitical risks nytimes.com for now, as analysts upgrade forecasts for the region.
Company News
Thyssen Krupp's shipbuilding unit TKMS ft.com won a series of large submarine contracts, pushing the parent company’s shares higher. CEO Oliver Burkhard stressed the importance of “prudent growth” and delivery schedules, cautioning against overconfidence despite the deal flow ft.com. Separately, Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s largest DIY investment platform, ordered staff ft.com back to the office three days a week, reversing its flexible working policy. The FTSE 250 company aims to boost collaboration, though the mandate may pressure employee retention nytimes.com as competitors continue to offer flexible working.