Ibex 35 kicked off Thursday’s session by nudging higher, rising around 0.7 percent and lifting the benchmark to 8,181.16 points by 9:01 a.m. The move came on a day packed with corporate results and followed a stronger finish on Wall Street where several Spanish and global names posted gains. Investors were digesting a Federal Reserve decision that echoed expectations and set the tone for trading in Europe and beyond.
The Madrid index opened above the important 8,100 level after finishing the previous session with a modest gain. The Fed opted to raise rates by 75 basis points, lifting the target range to 2.25 percent to 2.5 percent. This level marks the highest band seen in more than five years, a milestone that has influenced sentiment across equity markets and influenced the risk appetite of traders in Europe. The move was interpreted as a demonstration of the central bank’s commitment to curbing inflation, even as it heightens sensitivity to global growth prospects and currency movements.
In the early trading rounds of the session, several shares stood out with notable strength. Telefónica led the gains with a solid advance, followed closely by Sabadell and Aena, both contributing meaningful upward pressure to the index. Fluidra and Merlin Properties also posted constructive performances, helping to broaden participation in the market rally beyond the technology and energy sectors. On the downside, PharmaMar and Santander logged soft moves, while Endesa and Repsol recorded more modest declines, reflecting a dispersion of sector performance as investors reassess earnings outlooks and guidance updates.
Across the continent, other major European bourses opened higher as well. Frankfurt and London showed gains around 0.4 percent, while Paris nudged higher by roughly 0.7 percent, signaling a coordinated start to the day as investors position for a week of corporate updates and macro data that could influence central bank expectations further ahead.
Oil markets echoed the cautious optimism. The Brent benchmark hovered near the mid- to high-100s per barrel range, signaling steady demand expectations as economies navigate mixed signals from growth indicators. In the United States, WTI crude traded in the upper end of its recent range, influenced by inventory flows and global demand projections that continue to shape sentiment about energy equities and related sectors.
Meanwhile, foreign exchange dynamics showed the euro trading modestly stronger against the dollar at roughly 1.02 per euro, a level that underscores ongoing currency market drama as traders weigh the impact of monetary policy divergence and regional economic data. Currency movements remain a key variable for multinational groups with earnings exposure across Europe and beyond, influencing hedging decisions and cash flow planning for the coming quarters.
Looking ahead, investors will be scrutinizing the release of corporate results and forward-looking guidance from major players in sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, and infrastructure. The balance between stronger-than-expected quarterly performances and the persistence of inflationary pressures will shape how far equity indices, including Ibex 35, extend their gains or pause for recalibration. Traders are likely to respond to updates on consumer demand, cost control measures, and the pace at which central banks adjust policy in response to evolving inflation dynamics.
As the session progresses, market participants will also monitor sentiment indicators and risk appetite measures that can amplify moves in equities and currencies. A day marked by robust results and policy signals tends to attract attention from international investors looking to rebalance portfolios, diversify exposures, and capitalize on relative value across European markets. The combination of earnings momentum, policy clarity, and global macro cues will remain a focal point for traders seeking tactical entries and longer-term positioning within a challenging but potentially rewarding environment.
In summary, the opening of trade on Thursday showcased a cautious but constructive tilt for the Ibex 35 and its European peers. The Fed’s rate decision and the ensuing market reactions underscored the interplay between monetary policy, corporate performance, and the global demand outlook. With oil prices, currency rates, and equity performance all contributing to the day’s narrative, investors will be watching closely as the week unfolds for fresh cues that could shape near-term momentum and broader market direction.