Previously, German Chancellor-designate Merz stated that Germany would amend its constitution to exempt defense and security spending from fiscal expenditure restrictions. The UK FTSE 100 index rose by 0.5%, the French CAC 40 index rose by 1.42%, and the European Stoxx 50 index rose by 1.58%. Most European defense and automotive stocks rose, with Thyssenkrupp up nearly 9%, Thales up over 4%, Continental AG and BMW up over 4%, and Renault up nearly 4%
