{
  "id": 14799315,
  "title": "European shares hit more than two-week high as sturdy earnings lift sentiment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/european-shares-hit-more-than-two-week-high-as-sturdy-earnings-lift",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-15T21:52:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
    "slug": "the-business-times-companies-markets",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/capital-markets-currencies/european-shares-hit-more-two-week-high-sturdy-earnings-lift-sentiment"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "European shares reached a two-week high on Thursday (Oct 15) due to robust earnings and a rise in healthcare stocks, acting as a refuge for global investors during a cooling AI trade. Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson led the gains with a 6.8% increase, becoming the top performer on the benchmark after reporting stronger-than-anticipated third-quarter results. The Stoxx 600 index, which tracks major European companies, climbed 0.4% to 640.16 points, marking its highest level since September 30. Healthcare stocks witnessed a 2.4% surge and were among the leading contributors to the index's gains. However, technology shares experienced a 1.5% decline, primarily driven by a 13% drop in German chip systems manufacturer Aixtron. Other chip stocks such as Infineon and Soitec also saw a 5.2% and 7.7% decrease, respectively, while ASML, a chip equipment maker, dropped 4.2%. Inflation concerns in Europe and higher energy costs prompted investors to seek refuge in healthcare stocks, with Michele Morganti, an equity strategist at Generali Investments, noting that long-duration stocks and their financing are facing increased fear. The European Central Bank is expected to raise interest rates by a quarter point in December, with an 87% chance according to LSEG data.",
  "summary": "[BENGALURU] European shares hit their highest in more than two weeks on Thursday (Oct 15), helped by solid earnings and a surge...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hellenic Shipping News",
        "title": "US propane exports hit record high on surging European, Asian demand",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/us-propane-exports-hit-record-high-on-surging-european-asian-demand",
        "published": "2026-10-15T21:00:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}