FX.co ★ European Stocks Edge Lower

European stock markets experienced minor declines on Monday as investors continued to evaluate the trade prospects within the EU. The Eurozone's benchmark index, the STOXX 50, decreased by 0.3% to conclude at 5,342, while the broader STOXX 600 across Europe slipped 0.1% to 546. In the context of ongoing trade tensions, U.S. officials reiterated the possibility of imposing 30% tariffs on EU exports, even as the European Commission engaged in negotiations to potentially lower these tariffs ahead of the August 1st deadline. The EU has indicated that it would respond forcefully should negotiations fail, posing the risk of heightened trade tensions and increased costs within the region. The luxury sector bore the brunt of the market losses, with notable declines seen in Hermes, LVMH, and Ferrari, which fell between 1.6% and 0.5%. Additionally, Stellantis saw a 1.5% decrease in its share price despite reporting €2.3 billion in restructuring costs and tariffs affecting its U.S. operations in the first half of the year. Conversely, Ryanair's shares surged by 5.7%, buoyed by an announcement that its first-quarter net profit had more than doubled.