European Stocks Inch Higher

2026-05-18 16:20 By Andre Joaquim 1 min. read

European stocks closed mostly higher on Monday, trimming recent losses as markets further assessed the impact of ongoing macroeconomic headwinds on European earnings projections.

The Eurozone's STOXX 50 inched higher to 5,832 and the STOXX 600 rose 0.3% to 609.

The stalemate between the US and Iran was extended through the weekend and no side expressed urgency in pressing for opening the Strait of Hormuz for oil and goods exports.

Consequently, energy prices held higher and European sovereign yields maintained their elevated levels.

Financial services providers were steadily higher, trimming losses from last session with Allianz, Nordea, AXA, and Munich Re jumping over 1%.

Also, Deutsche Boerse jumped 5% on reports that TCI increased its position on the exchange operator.

On the other hand, ASML fell 3.2%, in line with a plunge in global AI infrastructure stocks.



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