European stocks started the week on a cautiously positive note, with the STOXX 50 up 0.3% while the STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline, as investors weighed developments in the Middle East and the potential for a change in political leadership in the UK. The US and Iran agreed on a roadmap aimed at securing a final peace agreement within 60 days, despite renewed tensions and threats over the weekend. Hopes for de-escalation eased concerns over energy supplies and pushed oil prices lower, sending Brent crude below $80 per barrel.
Among the top performers were ASML Holding (+1.5%), Infineon (+4.4%), STMicroelectronics (+2.2%), Rheinmetall (+1.4%), Repsol (+1.2%), RWE (+1.3%), and Lufthansa (+1.0%). In contrast, Volkswagen (-1.9%), Moncler (-1.9%), and Mercedes-Benz (-1.2%) were among the weakest performers on the index.
