European Stocks Close Higher

European equity indices closed firmly higher on Monday, tracking risk assets across the globe after the US halted strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, the first sign of de-escalation to the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 gained 1.2% to 5,566 and the pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.6% to 577. US President Trump announced that the delay of attacks followed constructive talks with Iranian authorities, which were in turn denied by Tehran. Still, the move signaled the US's will in lowering energy prices, supporting risk-sensitive sectors which have been pressured by stagflation concerns since the start of the month. Santander, UniCredit, and Intesa Sanpaolo gained over 3% each. Also, ASML jumped over 4% on the global pickup in AI stocks, while the drop in LNG costs drove Siemens Energy to gain nearly 5%.

European stocks reversed early losses to trade higher on Monday, with the STOXX 50 rising 2% and the STOXX 600 gaining 1%, as global sentiment turned positive. The shift followed comments from President Trump that the US and Iran had held “productive” talks, prompting a 5-day pause on strikes against key Iranian energy infrastructure. The move comes ahead of a 48-hour deadline for Iran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The temporary truce sent oil prices sharply lower, although Iran’s Fars News Agency said there has been no communication with the US. Most sectors moved into positive territory, with the exception of energy, while technology stocks led the gains. ASML Holding jumped more than 5%, HSBC Holdings rose 2.8%, LVMH gained 3.9%, and Siemens surged 5.1%. On the downside, Poste Italiane fell more than 7%, making it one of the worst performers on the STOXX 600, after announcing a €10.8 billion bid for Telecom Italia. Shares of Telecom Italia, however, climbed 4%.

European stocks declined on Monday, with both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 falling around 1.5%. This extends last week’s nearly 3.8% drop, leaving the indices at levels not seen since September and November of last year, respectively. Investor sentiment remains pressured by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which continue to drive oil prices higher. President Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to “fully open” the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Parliament Speaker warned that entities purchasing US government bonds could be considered legitimate targets. All sectors traded in negative territory, with financials and industrials leading the losses. Mega-cap stocks also moved lower, including ASML Holding (-1%), HSBC Holdings (-0.8%), and LVMH (-0.4%). Poste Italiane dropped more than 5%, making it the worst performer on the STOXX 600, after announcing a €10.8 billion bid for Telecom Italia. Shares of Telecom Italia, however, rose 5.4% on the news.