European Shares Hit Record Highs Driven by Strong Earnings and Lower Energy Prices

European equities reached new record peaks on Thursday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 rising up to 0.4% to surpass its previous record set in August. Gains were driven by third-quarter corporate earnings growth accelerating from 22% to 28%, the fastest pace in four years, according to Deutsche Bank data. Falling natural gas and Brent crude oil prices near $93 per barrel further aided sentiment. The market's defensive appeal also countered tech pressure from a 7.4% decline in Frankfurt-listed Nvidia shares, lifting Germany's DAX by 1.1% and France's CAC 40 by 0.6%.