Analysts expect third-quarter earnings at Europe's blue-chip companies to increase 19.4% from a year earlier, according to LSEG I/B/E/S data cited on Thursday. Energy is the main driver, with earnings forecast to rise 98.6%, although that would be slower than the sector's 138.6% growth in the second quarter. Excluding energy, STOXX 600 earnings are projected to grow 9.9%, led by cyclical consumer products and technology. Analysts raised the technology-sector growth forecast to 23.8% from 13.1% in July. Brent crude rose around 14% in September and diesel refining margins reached a record high, supporting energy companies. Real estate is expected to record the sharpest earnings decline, at 71.4% from a year earlier. STOXX 600 revenue is forecast to grow 10.6%, or 4.3% excluding energy, although sales are expected to fall in four sectors. H&M, the first STOXX 600 member to report, beat profit forecasts because of one-off U.S. tariff refunds, while sales stagnated. Analysts expect fourth-quarter earnings to rise 35.1%, but the index began the quarter down 1.3% as bond yields increased.