FX.co ★ European Stocks Decline

European stocks experienced a significant downturn on Tuesday, primarily due to notable declines in the financial sector, as investors continued to evaluate the future trajectory of global interest rates. The STOXX 50 index fell by 1.3%, closing at 5,372, while the broader STOXX 600 index decreased by 1.2% to finish at 551. Market participants exercised caution in light of upcoming pivotal monetary policy announcements from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England, alongside ongoing trade discussions between China and the United States. Additionally, U.S. President Trump commenced his visit to the United Kingdom today. Notably on the data front, Germany's ZEW Economic Sentiment Index exceeded expectations, whereas UK employment statistics indicated a continued deceleration in the labor market. Key financial entities such as Allianz, Santander, Intesa Sanpaolo, Munich Re, and Deutsche Boerse each saw declines close to 2.5%, influencing the broader financial stocks' downturn. Meanwhile, shares in L'Oreal dropped by nearly 3% following a downgrade by Jeffries. Furthermore, the luxury goods sector remained unstable as the markets anticipated potential developments regarding Armani’s future, following the founder’s passing, which included potential sale directives in his will.