European equities finished solidly higher on Monday, rebounding after briefly touching six‑month lows in the previous session, helped by a temporary pullback in bond yields. The Eurozone’s STOXX 50 advanced 0.3% to 5,526, while the pan‑European STOXX 600 climbed 0.8% to 580.
Oil prices held near their highest levels since 2022, supported by escalating geopolitical tensions. Houthi forces threatened crude exports from the Red Sea, and President Trump warned that the US could target Iranian oil infrastructure if a deal is not reached soon. Even so, government bond yields retreated as market focus shifted, at least briefly, toward growth risks.
Insurance stocks benefited from the move in yields and robust risk sentiment, with Munich Re, AXA, and Allianz advancing between 1% and 3%. Utilities also outperformed, with Iberdrola and Enel each rising close to 3%.
