The main European stock indices are the DAX 40 (Germany), FTSE 100 (United Kingdom), CAC 40 (France), Euro Stoxx 50 (the eurozone's largest companies) and the STOXX Europe 600 (the broadest European benchmark). Each tracks large listed companies in its market, but they differ in currency, sector mix and how much of their revenue comes from outside Europe.
Europe is not one stock market. It is many national exchanges, several currencies and a handful of headline indices that show up in the news. This guide explains the main ones, what they are made of, and how to read them.
The main indices
| Index | Market | Stocks | Currency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAX 40 | Germany (Frankfurt) | 40 | Euro | Large German companies; expanded from 30 to 40 stocks in 2021 |
| FTSE 100 | United Kingdom (London) | 100 | Pound | The 100 largest companies listed in London by market value |
| CAC 40 | France (Paris) | 40 | Euro | Large companies on Euronext Paris |
| Euro Stoxx 50 | Eurozone | 50 | Euro | 50 blue-chip companies from euro-area countries |
| STOXX Europe 600 | Europe | 600 | Mixed | Companies from many European countries, small to large |
Constituents change over time, so check the index provider for the current list.
What makes each one different
DAX 40. Heavy in industrials, autos, chemicals and technology. Many members earn most of their revenue abroad, so the DAX often reacts to global trade and China demand as much as to Germany itself.
FTSE 100. Leans toward energy, mining, banks, pharmaceuticals and consumer staples, and most of its companies earn a large share of revenue in other currencies. When the pound weakens, the FTSE 100 often rises because those overseas earnings are worth more in sterling.
CAC 40. Known for luxury goods, aerospace, energy and consumer brands. A few luxury companies can move the index.
Euro Stoxx 50. A pan-eurozone index, often used for futures and options. It spans several countries, so it shows the euro area's large companies at once.
STOXX Europe 600. The broadest of the group. It includes mid and small caps and spans many countries, so it is the best single gauge of European equities as a whole.
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Score a Setup Free →What moves European indices
- Central bank decisions: the European Central Bank for the euro area, the Bank of England for the UK. Rate changes affect banks, property and growth stocks.
- The euro and the pound: a stronger currency can hurt exporters when their foreign sales are converted back. See currency risk in foreign stocks.
- Energy prices: Europe imports a lot of energy, and energy shocks feed through to industry and inflation.
- Global demand: exporters in Germany, France and the UK depend on US and Asian growth.
- Earnings season and economic data. See the economic calendar guide.
How trading hours work
Most European exchanges trade in the morning to late afternoon local time, and the schedule shifts when clocks change. Check each exchange's hours, and expect holidays that differ by country. See exchange holidays and trading days.
How to follow European stocks live
Index levels tell you what happened. The stocks behind them tell you why. Browse a country's market for prices, the day's gainers and losers, and charts:
- Germany: Xetra and Frankfurt
- United Kingdom: London Stock Exchange
- France: Euronext Paris
- Netherlands: Euronext Amsterdam
Prices on Tradzy Markets can be delayed, so confirm with your broker before trading.
How to invest
You cannot buy an index directly. You can buy index funds or ETFs that track it, or trade futures and options. For retail traders in the UK and EU, rules on CFDs and leverage are strict. See CFD leverage limits in Europe and how to trade forex in the EU. For a global view, read emerging vs developed markets.
FAQ
What are the main European stock indices?
The DAX 40 (Germany), FTSE 100 (UK), CAC 40 (France), Euro Stoxx 50 (eurozone) and the STOXX Europe 600 (pan-European).
What is the difference between the Euro Stoxx 50 and the STOXX Europe 600?
The Euro Stoxx 50 holds 50 large companies from eurozone countries. The STOXX Europe 600 holds 600 companies of all sizes from many European countries, including those outside the euro area.
Why does the FTSE 100 sometimes rise when the pound falls?
Many FTSE 100 companies earn most of their revenue in foreign currencies. A weaker pound makes those earnings worth more in sterling.
Which European index is the best benchmark?
For the whole region, the STOXX Europe 600. For a single country, its national index such as the DAX or the FTSE 100.
Where can I see European stock prices?
Tradzy Markets lists stocks from Germany, the UK, France and more, with prices, charts and daily movers.
Put This Into Practice
- Score your next setup 0–100 with the Void Engine before entering
- Log the trade and tag the setup in the TradLog
- Review weekly: keep what pays, cut what doesn't
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Educational content, not financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss.