Pan-European equities ended slightly lower on Monday as intensifying conflict in the Middle East continued to weigh on the macroeconomic outlook for energy-importing economies. The Euro STOXX 50 edged down 0.1% to 6,264, while the STOXX Europe 600 also slipped 0.1% to 641. Sovereign bond yields climbed alongside energy prices after both the US and Iran threatened to reinstate blockades on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Bank stocks weakened amid tighter credit conditions, with Santander and Deutsche Bank each falling more than 1%. Semiconductor names also retreated: ASML declined 1.8% and Infineon lost nearly 3%, mirroring losses in US and Asian peers after brokers warned that SK Hynix may miss its earnings guidance. By contrast, higher oil prices supported energy producers, with TotalEnergies up 3% and ENI gaining 4%.
