European Stocks Lower, US-Iran Concerns Reemerge

2026-05-21 11:02 By Joana Taborda 1 min. read

European stocks were lower on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 down 0.3% and the STOXX 600 slipping 0.2%, amid renewed concerns that the US and Iran are unlikely to reach a deal soon.

Reuters reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive stating that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, hardening Tehran’s position on a key US demand in peace talks.

As a result, oil prices moved higher again, adding to worries over inflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, Nvidia’s earnings failed to excite investors despite beating estimates, leaving the broader AI sector without a meaningful boost.

Preliminary S&P Global PMI data for the Eurozone also pointed to a larger-than-expected hit to private sector activity in May, driven by the impact of the war with Iran.

HSBC (-1.6%), Hermes (-2.2%), SAP (-1.5%), Santander (-2.4%), Airbus (-3.1%), and Siemens Energy (-2.1%) were lower and Ubisoft was among the worst performers (-18%) after warning of a profit loss.



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European Stocks Lower, US-Iran Concerns Reemerge
European stocks were lower on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 down 0.3% and the STOXX 600 slipping 0.2%, amid renewed concerns that the US and Iran are unlikely to reach a deal soon. Reuters reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader has issued a directive stating that the country’s near-weapons-grade uranium should not be sent abroad, hardening Tehran’s position on a key US demand in peace talks. As a result, oil prices moved higher again, adding to worries over inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s earnings failed to excite investors despite beating estimates, leaving the broader AI sector without a meaningful boost. Preliminary S&P Global PMI data for the Eurozone also pointed to a larger-than-expected hit to private sector activity in May, driven by the impact of the war with Iran. HSBC (-1.6%), Hermes (-2.2%), SAP (-1.5%), Santander (-2.4%), Airbus (-3.1%), and Siemens Energy (-2.1%) were lower and Ubisoft was among the worst performers (-18%) after warning of a profit loss.
2026-05-21
European Stocks Attempt a Rebound
European stocks attempted a rebound after a weak start on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 hovering around the flatline and the STOXX 600 up 0.2%, as investors continued to assess prospects for a potential deal in the Middle East. Iran said it was reviewing the latest US proposal to end the conflict, after President Trump signalled he was prepared to wait a few more days to “get the right answers” from Tehran. Meanwhile, Nvidia’s earnings failed to excite investors despite beating estimates, leaving the broader AI sector without a meaningful lift. In addition, preliminary S&P Global PMI data for the Eurozone pointed to a larger-than-expected hit to private sector activity in May, due to the war in the Middle East. ASML Holding (1%), Novartis (0.7%), LVMH (1.2%), Siemens (1.3%) were in the green. EasyJet was up 2%, even after reporting a first-half loss. In contrast, Shell (-0.6%), Airbus (-1.8%) and Unicredit (-1.%) traded lower.
2026-05-21
European Stocks Edge Lower
European stocks edged lower on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 slipping 0.3% and 0.2%, respectively, as investors continued to monitor the latest developments in the Middle East. Iran said it was reviewing the latest US proposal to end the conflict after President Trump signalled he was willing to wait a few more days to “get the right answers” from Tehran. The technology sector moved lower, following weakness in its US counterparts, as Nvidia’s earnings failed to impress investors despite topping market estimates. ASML Holding fell 0.7%, while SAP slipped 0.2%. EasyJet shares were little changed after the airline reported a first-half loss and warned that the outlook remains uncertain amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Airbus fell 2.2%. Meanwhile, France’s flash PMI data pointed to a far sharper-than-expected slowdown in private sector activity.
2026-05-21