EUROPE MARKETS: U.S.-China Trade Talks Ice Movement In European Stocks

By Steve Goldstein, MarketWatch

Philips hit by tariffs, while LVMH weathers Hong Kong turmoil

European stocks struggled for direction on Thursday ahead of high level talks between U.S. and Chinese negotiators as the impact of the trade war hit one major exporter.

The Stoxx Europe 600 increased 0.04% to 380.45.

The German DAX increased 0.27% to 12126.46, the French CAC 40 gained 0.53% to 5528.20 and the U.K. FTSE 100 increased 0.03% to 7168.63,

Attention was squarely on the high-level talks between the U.S. and China taking place in Washington. U.S. stock futures were volatile in overnight trade amid varying published reports characterizing either an imminent deal or a possible breakdown.

Shares of Philips Electronics (PHIA.AE) tumbled 8% in Amsterdam as the company issued a warning over its connected-care business, which the company blamed on the impact of tariffs as well as reduced production levels.

"While it is good to see growth coming through and Philips has a good track record of margin expansion over the past few years, Q3 is a slip-up and Connected Care remains the perennial underperformer," said Scott Bardo, an analyst at Berenberg.

LVMH Moet Hennessy (MC.FR) shares surged 4.6% as the luxury-goods giant reported 17% revenue in the third quarter, with watch and jewelry sales growing despite Hong Kong unrest. "We see LVMH as a high quality, defensive earnings growth name, which is not reflected in its valuation," said Bank of America Merrill Lynch analysts in reiterating a buy rating.

Kering (KER.FR) , the owner of Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent brands, added 3.6%.

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 10, 2019 05:30 ET (09:30 GMT)

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