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Geopolitical Fragmentation | Europe’s Investment Moment | Candriam Discover how Europe’s drive for strategic autonomy is reshaping global investing. Read Candriam’s latest research and explore our European Autonomy Fund.

Despite mixed Q3 earnings, European equities closed higher in October, reaching new all-time highs, as macro data showed signs of improvement. In the Eurozone, Q3 GDP surprised to the upside at 0.2% QoQ (vs 0.1% expected and prior) but reflected large discrepancies across countries: Germany and Italy lagged, while France and Spain posted stronger-than-expected growth.

European equities rose in September, buoyed by broader global gains supported by the Fed’s rate cut.

European equities were slightly higher in August but continue to underperform US equities. European macro data were mixed, with PMIs improving in manufacturing but weakening in services.

Europe’s strategic autonomy is no longer a theory; it’s a trending headline, a policy priority, and an investment theme. But with many players now crowding the space, real differentiation lies not in retelling the story, but in how you act on it. At Candriam, we see Europe’s autonomy shift not as a short-term theme, but as a long-term, multi-sector transformation.

On Sunday, July 27, 2025, the EU and the US successfully concluded a trade agreement, paving the way for strengthened economic relations between the two regions. While initial reports caused some confusion, it now appears that most pharmaceutical products, excluding certain generics, will be subject to a 15% tariff.

After a sustained period of outperformance versus other regions, European equity markets have underperformed in recent weeks. This shift was marked by a notable rotation into US technology stocks during the month of June.

European equities closed May higher but are no longer outperforming US equities.