Additional European Equity News

AI Demand Outlook - DigiTimes reports that AI cloud computing is expected to remain a primary growth driver for the tech industry in 2025, however, demand for consumer AI applications is mixed, depending largely on whether users are persuaded to upgrade their devices. (DigiTimes) 

Bureau Veritas (BVI FP)- Ended talks with Intertek (ITRK LN) to pursue a EUR 31bln merger with Swiss rival SGS (SGSN SW), aiming to consolidate the certification sector despite market scepticism. (FT)

Crypto - President-elect Trump plans to issue an executive order prioritising cryptocurrency as a national policy, creating a crypto advisory council to advocate for industry interests. The order aims to direct government agencies to collaborate more closely with the crypto sector. (Bloomberg)

Evoke (EVOK LN) - Trading Update: Q4 rev. growth approx. +12-13% Y/Y. FY24 adj. EBITDA exp. to be at high end of GBP 300-310mln range. H2 rev. growth expected to be approx. 8%. 

Suss Microtec (SMHN GY) - FY (EUR): Rev. 445mln (exp. 404.4mln); FY Outlook: EBIT Margin 17.5%. (Newswires) Shares +14.5% in pre-market trade

UK Banking - The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), in consultation with HM Treasury, has decided to delay the implementation of Basel 3.1 in the UK by one year until 1 January 2027. This allows more time for greater clarity to emerge about plans for its implementation in the United States. (BoE) 

UK Retailers - UK Retail Sales MM (Dec) -0.3% vs. Exp. 0.4% (Prev. 0.2%, Rev. 0.1%); Falls in supermarkets were partly offset by a rise in non-food stores, as clothing retailers rebounded from falls in recent months. 

Taylor Wimpey (TW/ LN) upgraded to Add from Hold at Peel Hunt 

Vodafone (VOD LN) resumed with Hold at HSBC 

Vivendi (VIV FP) resumed with Hold at HSBC