31.08.202607:36:44UTC+00European Stocks Lack Direction

European equities were little changed on Monday, with both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovering around the flatline as oil prices climbed on renewed tensions in the Middle East. US forces struck two Iranian missile launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, and Tehran retaliated with attacks on US forces in Jordan. Heightening market anxiety further, President Trump stated that Iran’s main oil terminal on Kharg Island was being “blown to smithereens”.

The energy sector outperformed, with TotalEnergies up 1.4% and Eni advancing 1.5%. In contrast, Siemens Energy dropped nearly 4%, making it the weakest performer on the STOXX 600. ASML Holding (-1%) and Roche (-0.7%) also traded lower.

Despite the cautious tone on the day, both indices remain higher for August: the STOXX 50 is up 2%, and the STOXX 600 has gained 0.9% so far, after each set record highs in the first half of the month.