European stocks extended their advance for a second straight session on Monday, with the Stoxx 50 up 0.3% and the Stoxx 600 gaining 0.2%. Major markets in the UK, Germany, and France all moved higher, while Spain lagged behind. Among blue chips, ASML Holding, Linde, and L’Oréal rose between 0.8% and 1.3%, and LVMH and Siemens added roughly 0.5% each. In the broader Stoxx 600, Novartis climbed 1.6% and ASML gained 0.8%.
British housebuilders were standout performers: Persimmon, Barratt Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, and Vistry Group all surged more than 10% after the UK government said it would confirm a new equity-loan scheme for first-time buyers in next month’s budget. In contrast, Banco Santander edged down 0.3%, while Roche slid more than 2%. Fresnillo dropped around 5% as weaker gold prices weighed on precious-metals miners. Oil prices stayed elevated amid a US–Iran stalemate, even as reports suggested talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz could continue, with investors remaining cautious after a series of diplomatic setbacks.
