European Stocks Edge Higher as Oil Retreat Lifts Sentiment; Euro Zone PMI Data Awaited

European shares rose on September 23, 2026, as declining oil prices supported market sentiment while investors awaited key euro zone business activity data. The pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.4% to 645.04 points by 0708 GMT, with most major regional bourses trading higher. Aerospace and defence stocks led sectoral gains, with Saab and Exosens among the top performers. Oil prices extended losses as investors assessed the prospect of increased Gulf supplies after Saudi Arabia restarted operations at a key pipeline. Energy stocks nevertheless rose 0.8%. Investors awaited S&P Global's flash September purchasing managers' index survey for the euro zone, expected to provide fresh signals on the region's economic health. Among individual movers, German seed producer KWS fell 6.1% after reporting annual net sales dropped 3% to €1.63 billion ($1.86 billion), missing the IBES estimate of €1.68 billion, hurt by lower sugarbeet and corn acreage. Dutch payments processor Adyen slipped roughly 2% after naming Klarna's Niclas Neglen as its next chief financial officer, effective February 1, 2027.