European markets began the week under pressure on Monday, weighed down by escalating tensions in the Middle East and a sharp surge in oil prices following fresh developments over the weekend.
Regional equities tracked losses seen across Asia-Pacific markets, with sentiment dampened by growing concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies and the risk of a prolonged geopolitical conflict.
At the open, the pan-European Stoxx 60 fell 0.7%, the UK’s FTSE index slides 0.42%, while Germany’s DAX declined 0.94%.
France’s CAC 40 dropped 1.02%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB was down 0.72%, according to IG data.
Travel and leisure stocks came under significant pressure in early trading, declining by nearly 2.1% as investor sentiment weakened amid concerns over jet fuel supply to European airports.
Airline stocks led the downturn, with Wizz Air dropping 6.9%, EasyJet falling 3.8%, and Lufthansa declining 3.9%.
The broader travel sector also reflected the negative trend.
Holiday operator TUI slipped 3.4%, while German aircraft engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines edged 2.4% lower, highlighting the wider impact of fuel supply concerns across the aviation value chain.
US President Donald Trump said the 20-hour negotiations “went well” on most issues but highlighted a key point of disagreement, stating that “Iran is unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions.”
Following the breakdown in talks, Brent crude prices jumped 7% to trade just below $102 barrel.
Blockade plans shake market confidence
Investor sentiment weakened after the United States announced plans to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, following failed diplomatic talks with Iran over the weekend.
US President Donald Trump detailed the move in a statement posted on Truth Social on Sunday.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said.
He added, “The Blockade will begin shortly. Other countries will be involved in this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION.”
In a subsequent update early Monday, Trump stated that the blockade affecting ships entering or exiting Iranian ports would begin at 10:00 am ET (3 pm London time).
Oil prices jump as conflict risks intensify
The breakdown in negotiations between Washington and Tehran has reignited fears of a prolonged conflict in the region, prompting a surge in crude oil prices on Sunday.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global oil shipments, and any disruption to traffic through the passage is closely watched by energy markets.
The latest developments have therefore heightened expectations for volatility and added pressure on equities, particularly at the start of the trading week.
Hungary’s political shift in focus
In addition to geopolitical concerns, investors are also monitoring political developments within Europe.
Hungary’s long-standing conservative leader, Viktor Orban, conceded defeat to Peter Magyar of the pro-European Union Tisza party after the opposition secured a decisive election victory.
The outcome represents a notable political shift and is viewed as a setback for Russia and the Trump administration, both of which had regarded Orban as a key ally due to his eurosceptic stance.
On the corporate front, earnings reports from LVMH, Christian Dior, and Galp Energia are due on Monday and could provide stock-specific direction in an otherwise subdued macro environment.
With no major economic data releases scheduled, market participants are likely to remain focused on geopolitical developments and corporate earnings for cues on near-term market direction.
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