Finance

The STOXX Europe 600 and other regional benchmarks recently capped their best quarter in nearly six years, fueled by a resurgence in the technology and industrial sectors. Despite a brief semiconductor sell-off early in the month, broader market participation from financials and defense stocks helped propel German and Italian indices to fresh record highs.

As of July 1, 2026, the transitional period for the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework has officially ended, mandating that all service providers hold a valid license to operate. Regulatory authorities have confirmed no further extensions, leaving an estimated 75% of previously registered firms facing potential closure or exit from the European market due to non-compliance.

After raising key interest rates to 2.25% in mid-June to combat persistent price pressures, the ECB is now expected to hold rates steady at its upcoming meeting. Improved inflation data has led market participants to significantly trim their expectations for further monetary tightening through the remainder of 2026.