European stock markets advanced, benefiting from positive sentiment in the technology sector driven by strong quarterly developments at US space and AI group SpaceX. The EuroStoxx 50 gained 1.40 percent to close at 6,207.52 points, fully recovering its losses for the week.
Leading indices in Zurich and London registered more modest gains. The Swiss SMI finished up 0.51 percent at 14,552.39 points, while Britain's FTSE 100 recorded a 0.19 percent increase to 10,752.88 points.
EssilorLuxottica shares led the Eurozone benchmark by a wide margin, surging 15.5 percent. The French company reported surprisingly strong third-quarter growth, driven by solid performance in traditional eyewear. Citigroup analysts noted that developments in the core business alleviate concerns of a market slowdown, offering a glimmer of hope to investors following a steep decline in the share price since November of last year.
SAP shares ranked second in the EuroStoxx, rising 3.5 percent ahead of the European software group's quarterly earnings release scheduled for the evening after the US market close. Other technology firms, including ASML, Siemens, Infineon, and Schneider Electric, supported the index with gains ranging between 2 and 2.6 percent.
In contrast, shares of French supermarket chain Carrefour slumped 13.8 percent after the company lowered its full-year guidance the previous evening due to unrest in France. Michelin also dropped sharply, falling 7.2 percent, as Bernstein analysts pointed out that the tire manufacturer's third-quarter figures came in even weaker than indicated a few weeks prior.
Meanwhile, gains in Iberdrola supported the utilities sector. The Spanish company raised its profit target once again, sending its shares up 1.5 percent.
