breaking

European Stocks Gain as Investors Monitor Political Uncertainty, Trump-Xi Summit

European equities moved higher Thursday with the Stoxx 600 rising 0.7 percent as market participants tracked political developments and diplomatic overtures between Washington and Beijing. Technology and media stocks drove gains while mining and banking shares underperformed the broader benchmark. In the U.K., political instability continues to dominate investor sentiment following reports that Health Secretary Wes Streeting could challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Angela Rayner was cleared by tax authorities Thursday of wrongdoing related to stamp duty obligations on an £800,000 property purchase. She had resigned as deputy prime minister last year. British government bond yields declined, with the 10-year gilt falling approximately 7 basis points. Globally, attention remains fixed on President Donald Trump's Beijing summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Both nations seek to stabilize their relationship amid ongoing trade tensions.