07:43 AM EDT, 05/22/2026 (MT Newswires) -- European bourses tracked moderately higher midday Friday as traders reviewed statements from Washington and Middle East capitals regarding peace negotiations, but also joined the global rally in AI-related equities.

Tech and bank stocks led gains on continental trading floors, while oil shares lagged.

Investors also eyed muted Wall Street futures, but higher closes overnight on Asian exchanges, including a fresh all-time zenith on Japan's Nikkei 225 index.

In economic news, Germany's business climate index rose to 84.9 in May from 84.5 last month, reported the Institute for Economic Research (Ifo). "The German economy is stabilizing for the time being, although situation remains fragile," said Ifo.

The pan-continental Stoxx Europe 600 Index was up 0.4% mid-session.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Technology Index was up 1.7%, and the Stoxx 600 Banks Index gained 0.6%.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Oil and Gas Index eased 0.5%, while the Stoxx 600 Europe Food and Beverage Index inclined 0.6%.

The REITE, a European REIT index, rose 0.1%.

On the national market indexes, Germany's DAX was up 0.6%, and the FTSE 100 in London gained 0.2%. The CAC 40 in Paris was up 0.3%, and Spain's IBEX 35 lifted 0.1%.

Yields on benchmark 10-year German bonds were lower, near 3.06%.

Front-month North Sea Brent crude-oil futures were up 2.9% at $105.56 a barrel.

The Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index was down 1.8% at 21.36, but still indicating above-average volatility for European stock markets in the next 30 days, a negative signal. A reading above 20 indicates choppier markets ahead, while below 20 suggests calmer exchanges.

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