The Stoxx 50 climbed more than 1% on Tuesday to a six-week high, as investors grew more optimistic that Middle East tensions may ease after President Trump signaled the US could be open to negotiations with Iran. ASML Holding rose more than 1.5%, while LVMH edged up 0.9% despite having posted a weaker-than-expected quarterly update in the previous session. L’Oréal added 1.1%, Siemens advanced 3.9%, Schneider Electric gained 2.4%, and Banco Santander rose 2.9%, while Linde slipped nearly 3%.
The broader Stoxx 600 also gained 0.9%, likewise reaching a six-week high. The index was supported by a 3.7% jump in Novo Nordisk after it announced a partnership with OpenAI to accelerate drug discovery through AI-powered analysis and shorter development cycles, and by a 1.5% rise in Nestlé. Shell fell almost 3% as oil prices retreated on hopes that peace talks could continue despite ongoing tensions and a blockade. Investor focus now turns to upcoming earnings from ASML and Hermès.
