Europe open: Stoxx falls despite Asia surge; Thule, Kering, Philips all soar

(Sharecast News) - European stocks were lower at the open, but close to record territory, despite a surge in Asian and US markets overnight. The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was down 0.08% to 620.98 at 0810 GMT with major bourses lower.

In Japan, the Nikkei jumped to a fresh peak after Japan's conservative governing coalition stormed to victory in Sunday's snap election.

All three of Wall Street's benchmark indices finished higher on Monday, with tech stocks outperforming on a quiet day ahead of some closely anticipated economic data and corporate earnings over the coming days.

The Dow inched 0.04% higher to set a new closing high of 50,135.87 and the S&P 500 rose 0.47% to 6,964.82. However, the Nasdaq jumped 0.90% to 23,238.67, as tech heavyweights including Nvidia, Microsoft and Broadcom raced ahead.

Traders are also eyeing US retail sales later on Tuesday, with the data expected to show slowing growth in December, while on Wednesday the non-farm payrolls report is scheduled for release.

In equity news, Thule Group soared after the Swedish outdoor equipment maker posted better-than-expected results on margin gains.

Philips shares jumped after publishing 2025 earnings. The electronics giant returned to profit but also cut its sales outlook for this year.

Gucci owner Kering surged after the luxury good group said it expects a return to growth this year despite a fall in quarterly sales.

BP fell as the energy giant suspended its quarterly share buyback as it moved to bolster its balance sheet amid weak oil prices.

Standard Chartered was lower after chief financial officer Diego De Giorgi announced his departure to Apollo after two years at the London-based bank.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com