Europe Defense Stocks Rise 1.4% Following NATO Spending Increase

European defense stocks rose 1.4% following NATO's announcement to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, while other market updates include Balfour Beatty securing a major contract, EQT selling a Japanese car parts company, and H&M reporting weaker sales. The British Pound hit its highest level since October 2021, and European stocks opened higher amid global market monitoring of geopolitical tensions and economic data releases.