The FTSE Eurofirst 300 was 2 percent lower over the week, closing at 1,421.17 on Friday as a strong euro hurt several sectors. One analysis said that corporate profits could be down by up to 4.4 percent next year if the euro continues to strengthen. New data showing that the US economy is slowing down also hurt European equities.
In the automobile and transport equipment sector, most stocks dropped. The exception was MAN, which added 1.1 percent to €70.71 as rumors circulated that Scania could counter bid for the German truck maker while rejecting its overtures. Scania was 0.4 percent lower to SKr473. Elsewhere among carmakers, BMW fell 3.8 percent over the week to €41.20, DaimlerChrysler dropped 4.7 percent to ¥43.41, and Renault was 5.1 percent lower to €88.35.
The pharmaceuticals sector was lower as well. Bayer only dropped 0.4 percent to €38.83, but Roche fell 3.8 percent to SFr212.3 during the week.
Cell phone maker Nokia was 6.8 percent lower over the week to €14.91 on a reduced outlook on profits and negative comments from Dresdner Kleinwort, which said that Nokia’s net income could decline as much as 20 percent in 2007. On the other hand, positive comments from Morgan Stanley helped airline Lufthansa add 1.4 percent over the week to €19.49.