Jakarta, RakyatNTT.ID – European stock markets closed higher on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, lifted by a sharp rally in European healthcare stocks. The sector soared 5.4%, marking its strongest daily performance since November 2008.

The rally followed news that Pfizer agreed to cut prescription drug prices under the U.S. Medicaid program in exchange for tariff relief. The decision sparked a surge in pharmaceutical shares, with Sartorius climbing 9.5%, Merck 10%, Roche 8.6%, and AstraZeneca 11.2%.

Major European Indices Rally

Nearly all sectors ended in positive territory despite political turmoil in the United States, where the government officially shut down most operations on Wednesday. The shutdown threatens to delay labor market data, potentially increasing market volatility and complicating the Federal Reserve’s short-term economic assessment.

According to Reuters, the major European indexes closed as follows:

  • STOXX 600 rose 1.15% or 6.44 points to 564.62, its biggest daily gain since July 23.
  • FTSE 100 (UK) surged 1.03% or 96.00 points to 9,446.43, reaching a new record high.
  • DAX (Germany) advanced 0.98% or 232.90 points to 24,113.62.
  • CAC 40 (France) gained 0.90% or 71.01 points to 7,966.95.

Eurozone Economic Challenges

Meanwhile, fresh data showed that Eurozone manufacturing activity contracted again in September. Inflation ticked higher, fueled by rising service costs, while the decline in energy prices slowed.