European Stocks Attempt to Rise for 2nd Day

2026-03-17 12:05 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

The STOXX 50 rose 0.3% and the STOXX 600 gained 0.5% heading into the afternoon session on Tuesday, recovering from a lacklustre open and extending modest gains from the previous session despite an escalation in the conflict with Iran.

Uncertainty continues to surround the formation of an international coalition, with some countries appearing reluctant to align with US President Donald Trump’s proposal.

Meanwhile, Iran stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf, while Israel reported it had killed Iran’s security chief, further heightening tensions.

As a result, oil prices moved higher once again.

Utilities and energy led the gains, with financials also trading higher.

E.ON (+3.1%), Enel (+3.3%), Repsol (+2.8%), and Eni (+2.7%) posted solid advances.

In contrast, defence stocks were among the worst performers, including Rheinmetall (-1.9%) and Leonardo.

Dassault Systèmes (-1.7%), ASML Holding (-1.1%), and LVMH (-1.2%) also declined.



News Stream
European Stocks Attempt to Rise for 2nd Day
The STOXX 50 rose 0.3% and the STOXX 600 gained 0.5% heading into the afternoon session on Tuesday, recovering from a lacklustre open and extending modest gains from the previous session despite an escalation in the conflict with Iran. Uncertainty continues to surround the formation of an international coalition, with some countries appearing reluctant to align with US President Donald Trump’s proposal. Meanwhile, Iran stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf, while Israel reported it had killed Iran’s security chief, further heightening tensions. As a result, oil prices moved higher once again. Utilities and energy led the gains, with financials also trading higher. E.ON (+3.1%), Enel (+3.3%), Repsol (+2.8%), and Eni (+2.7%) posted solid advances. In contrast, defence stocks were among the worst performers, including Rheinmetall (-1.9%) and Leonardo. Dassault Systèmes (-1.7%), ASML Holding (-1.1%), and LVMH (-1.2%) also declined.
2026-03-17
European Stocks Waver
Both the STOXX 50 and the STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Tuesday, failing to hold onto modest gains from the previous session, as optimism over efforts to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz faded. Uncertainty persists around the formation of an international coalition, with some countries appearing reluctant to align with US President Trump’s proposal. Meanwhile, Iran stepped up attacks on energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf, pushing oil prices higher. Most sectors traded in negative territory, with only utilities and energy posting gains. Shares of ASML Holding fell around 1%, while LVMH (-0.7%), Hermes (-0.5%), SAP (-0.2%), Siemens (-0.7%), and Banco Santander (-0.6%) also declined. On the upside, Sartorius jumped nearly 5% to lead the STOXX 600 after its subsidiary, Sartorius Stedim Biotech, refined its strategy with a stronger focus on biopharma and set new mid-term growth targets.
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European Stocks Head for Lower Open
European equity markets were set for a lower open on Tuesday as oil prices rebounded amid persistent concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East. Iran has intensified attacks on energy infrastructure in the region, while most countries have so far resisted US President Donald Trump’s call for support in safeguarding commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, investors will assess the ZEW economic sentiment survey for Germany and the Eurozone, along with final inflation data from Italy. Earnings are also due from Salvatore Ferragamo and Autolus Therapeutics. In premarket trade, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both down about 0.4%.
2026-03-17