European equity markets ended Wednesday’s session mixed, as weakness in banks and semiconductor stocks offset gains in other sectors. The Euro STOXX 50 slipped 0.2% to 6,215, while the broader STOXX Europe 600 edged up to 635.
In the US, President Trump reiterated that Iran would not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to extract toll payments, reinforcing recent signs of de‑escalation and extending the sharp decline in energy prices. Lower yields on Eurozone sovereign bonds followed, helping to support consumer discretionary stocks: Adidas, LVMH, Hermès, and Inditex each advanced by as much as 3%.
Bank shares, however, retreated as investors locked in recent gains. Rheinmetall tumbled 19% after reports that Germany plans to scrap proposals for its largest warship since World War II in favor of buying eight smaller frigates from TKMS. Argenx also came under pressure, falling more than 7% after a disappointing update on its myositis drug trial.
