European Stocks Kick Off February in the Red

European equity indices closed mostly higher on Tuesday as markets continued to assess how higher energy prices will impact the global economy. The STOXX 50 inched higher by 0.2% to 5,585 and the STOXX 600 rose a sharper 0.5% to 579. ASML was among the strongest performers of the session after SK Hynix announced plans to order $8 billion of lithography equipment from the Dutch manufacturer. Chemicals producers were also higher as European natural gas prices trimmed a portion of their surge this month, easing the tighter margins for the sector. Air Liquide and BASF rose 2.5% and 4%, respectively. Still, oil prices continued to rise as hostilities between Iran, Gulf countries, and Israel worsened. Banks fell further in the session on the worsening inflation outlook, with Nordea and ING sliding 2.4% and 1.4%, respectively. Preliminary data showed that Eurozone private activity rose at a softer pace in March, the first confirmation that higher energy prices from the war are denting output.

European stocks reversed modest opening gains to trade lower on Tuesday, with the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 slipping into flat-to-negative territory, as investors continued to navigate the conflict with Iran and assess prospects for de-escalation. Reports point to ongoing communication and diplomatic efforts to end the war, but fighting has persisted and the Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are edging closer to joining the conflict against Tehran. Iran has continued its attacks and maintains that no negotiations with the US are underway. Meanwhile, oil prices are still rising, keeping pressure on inflation. Preliminary PMI data for the Euro Area already point to rising price pressures and slowing growth in March, reflecting the impact of the Middle East conflict. At the sector level, industrials and financials underperformed, while basic materials outperformed. Among individual stocks, SAP (-3.4%) and Leonardo (-3.1%) were among the worst performers.

European stocks edged higher on Tuesday, with the STOXX 50 rising 0.1% and the STOXX 600 gaining 0.4%, extending the previous session’s advance. Markets were supported by cautious optimism that the conflict with Iran could de-escalate, following reports of ongoing communication and diplomatic efforts to end the war. However, uncertainty and volatility are expected to persist. The situation remains fragile, with continued strikes and no clear signs of easing tensions. Iran has maintained its attacks on US bases in the Gulf and insists that no negotiations with the United States are underway. Meanwhile, oil prices appear to be stabilising, rising at a more moderate pace. At the sector level, energy and basic materials led the gains, while industrials and financials underperformed. ASML Holding (+1.4%), Shell (+1.1%), L’Oreal (+1.3%), Hermes (+1.6%), and TotalEnergies (+1.1%) advanced. In contrast, SAP (-2.4%), Airbus (-0.8%), and Rolls-Royce (-1.9%) declined.