European equities surged to record levels on Friday as a global rebound in technology and semiconductor shares lifted markets following robust earnings from major US tech firms. The pan-European Stoxx 600 climbed roughly 1% to 656.5 points, with its technology sub-index jumping 2.2%.
Madrid led regional gains at 1.78%, while Paris and Frankfurt each rose near 1%. In Milan, Amplifon soared nearly 8% after reporting strong first-half results that exceeded analyst expectations. Asian markets also rallied sharply, with South Korea's Kospi posting its largest single-day gain in history, surging 17.9%, driven by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
Major central banks held interest rates steady this week, with the Federal Reserve maintaining its benchmark at 3.5%–3.75% and the European Central Bank keeping its deposit rate at 2.25%. Brent crude slipped 0.8% to $86.18 a barrel.