Frank Walbaum
European equities opened higher on Wednesday, buoyed by growing optimism that the US government shutdown may soon end. The Republican-controlled House is expected to vote today on a funding compromise that would restore government operations, ending the longest shutdown in US history. Hopes for a resolution have lifted global risk appetite, particularly as the prolonged standoff had disrupted economic data flows and cast uncertainty over monetary policy.
Adding to the positive tone, recent comments from ECB Governing Council member Martin Kocher helped ease concerns over the trade outlook. Kocher noted that the economic fallout from Donald Trump’s trade war had been less severe than initially feared.
On the corporate front, Bayer surged after reporting a sharp rise in quarterly earnings, driven by its Crop Science unit. Infineon Technologies also advanced, raising its 2026 sales target.
Looking ahead, investors will monitor the US House vote and its implications for global sentiment.
Walbaum is Market Analyst at Naga
