Today's stock markets, August 27. A cautious start for Europe, with focus on the 50% US tariffs for India.
After a session in the red due to the increasingly concrete risk of a government crisis in France , caution prevails on European stock markets. On the trade front, the massive US tariffs imposed on India , which will double to 50% from today, are weighing heavily, formally due to massive purchases of Russian energy. The spotlight remains on the new chapter in the battle between the White House and the Federal Reserve , after President Trump attempted to remove central bank board member Lisa Cook . On the share market, today marks Nvidia's quarterly results, an important gauge of the semiconductor sector's performance.
Asian markets close mixed, Chinese markets down
Asian stock markets closed mixed, with attention shifting from political pressure on the Fed to artificial intelligence giant Nvidia's quarterly results, which will be released after Wall Street closes. Tokyo and Seoul closed slightly higher, up 0.29% and 0.25%, respectively, while Taipei jumped 0.9%. Hong Kong ended the session down 1.4%, and Shanghai fell 1.8% for the day, despite a surge in the share price of Cambricon, a major Chinese chipmaker and local competitor to Nvidia, on the back of record first-half profits. Indian stock markets were closed for a holiday on the day the 50% US tariff went into effect.
Lego posts positive half-year results, with revenues up for the sixth consecutive year.
Lego, the Danish brick company, reported rising half-year results, thanks to products such as Lego City, Lego Technic, Lego Botanicals, and Lego Star Wars. In the first half of the year, Lego posted a net profit of DKK 6.5 billion (€0.87 billion), up 10% year-over-year. Revenue rose 12% to DKK 34.6 billion (€4.64 billion), marking its sixth consecutive increase. In particular, the company explained that its new partnership with Formula 1 is bearing fruit. It has also expanded its portfolio with new partnerships, including those for the animated series Bluey and One Piece, and signed a multi-year collaboration with the Pokemon Company International to launch Lego Pokemon next year.
Milan turns negative after initial trading
Piazza Affari suddenly fell 0.7% to 42,345 points, held back by Montepaschi (-2.93%), Diasorin (-2.83%), Mediobanca (-1.8%), Bper (-1.75%), Fineco (-1.67%), and Prysmian (-1.2%). Ferrari (+0.75%), Tenaris (+0.65%), Snam (+0.54%), and Moncler (+0.5%) rose. Saipem (+0.37%) and Eni (+0.34%) were more cautious, with crude oil prices declining (WTI -0.35% to $63.04 a barrel) ahead of weekly U.S. inventories. The spread between 10-year Italian government bonds and German government bonds rose to 84.1 points, with the Italian annual yield rising 0.8 points to 3.56% and the German yield falling 0.1 points to 2.72%.
Europe starts cautiously, Milan positive
European stock markets are off to a slow start after two days of sharp sell-offs, thanks to signs of improving risk appetite. Investors are awaiting the results of chip giant Nvidia, which will be released at the close of US markets and are expected to provide further insights into the sustainability of the artificial intelligence sector. Markets are trying to recoup yesterday's losses, when political uncertainty intensified after Prime Minister Francois Bayrou called a confidence vote for September 8th that could potentially overthrow the French government. The CAC 40 index in Paris is up 0.27% to 7,730.53 points, the DAX 30 in Frankfurt is up 0.03% to 24,185.21 points, and the FTSE 100 in London is up 0.36% to 9,298.70 points. In Milan, the FTSE MIB is up 0.16% in early trading.
Nikon surges in Tokyo (+20%) after Essilux's interest
Nikon has surged on the Tokyo stock exchange, driven by Essilux's interest in acquiring a 20% stake in the renowned camera, lens, and eyeglass manufacturer. The stock rose 20.74% to 1,746.5 yen (10.17 euros) on the Tokyo stock exchange. A year ago, Essilux acquired a 5% stake in Nikon, then rose above 9% and is now aiming to grow to nearly 20%. EssilorLuxottica has a long-standing partnership with Japanese company Nikon, known for its cameras but especially its lenses, and intends to support the Japanese giant, which is experiencing financial difficulties. On August 7, the group closed the first three months of the 2025-2026 fiscal year with an operating loss of 1.19 billion yen (6.93 million euros), compared to an expected profit of 2.89 billion yen (16.83 million euros).
German consumer confidence falls more than expected
German consumer confidence fell more than expected in September. The GfK index fell to -23.6 points versus the -21.5 expected and the -21.7 recorded in August.
US tariffs on India rise to 50%
The US tariff surcharge on Indian products, which stood at 25% since the beginning of the month, rose to 50% today. Donald Trump's decision is motivated by the desire to punish Indian imports of Russian oil. India is among the largest importers of Russian oil, after China, and the US president accuses New Delhi of helping Moscow finance its war in Ukraine. However, the new rate will not apply to several products, significantly reducing its scope.
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