European stocks edged lower Friday, influenced by a global tech sell-off and Middle East tensions. Investors await the European Central Bank meeting and corporate earnings reports next week. Rising oil prices and subdued reactions to strong results complicated the market backdrop. Tech stocks experienced a significant decline this week, impacting major AI beneficiaries. Utilities and defense sectors saw gains, while luxury brands faced headwinds from reduced tourist spending.
Motilal Oswal sees surging steel prices to offset cost inflation for metal majors. Here are its top stock picks
Motilal Oswal expects firm steel prices, lean inventories and resilient demand to support a shift toward pricing- and cost-led earnings growth for domestic steelmakers. The