Annual Statistical Report

In 2024, European capital markets navigated a complex environment shaped by shifting interest rate policies, rising geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Amid these challenges, markets showed mixed performance, yet some demonstrated signs of resilience, as reflected in the annual data submitted by FESE Members.

Market sentiment was driven by optimism over monetary easing but tempered by concerns about political instability and economic headwinds, with debt servicing costs continuing to weigh on corporates and sovereigns, keeping investors cautious and markets volatile. According to the ESMA report, investor confidence  future market conditions was muted in the second half of 2024, with sentiment on current conditions hitting a two-year low amid geopolitical uncertainty and sluggish economic growth.

Against this backdrop, market capitalisation rose early in the year before declining later. Although IPO activity remained subdued compared to previous years, it picked up, particularly in the second half of 2024, recovering from the low level in 2023. Investment flows improved, and bond derivatives and ETFs saw consistent growth, while equity trading showed little change compared to last year.

These trends are detailed in the FESE Annual Statistical Report, compiling data from FESE Members from January to December 2024.