European stocks open lower as Middle East conflict weighs on sentiment

European stocks open lower as Middle East conflict weighs on sentiment


European stocks open lower

We’re 30 minutes into Tuesday’s trading session, and stocks are broadly in negative territory.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was last seen 0.8% lower, hitting its lowest level in more than three weeks. The index had gained 0.4% on Monday, as global markets appeared to shrug off the impact of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

Germany’s DAX led losses among major regional bourses, down 1.6% in early trade. France’s CAC 40 was last seen 1.2% lower, with London’s FTSE 100 down by 0.7%.

Chloe Taylor

Trump says UK has tariffs protection ‘because I like them’

U.S. President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer react after picking up the trade agreement with the U.K. papers that Trump dropped as they speak to the media during the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, June 16, 2025.

Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

In case you missed it, the U.S. and Britain signed an agreement on the sidelines of the G7 summit on Monday, lowering some tariffs on British exports to the United States while the two nations eye a trade deal.

Last month, the U.K. became the first country to agree a trade deal with Washington since U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his full list of so-called reciprocal tariffs.

The deal signed on Monday reaffirmed preferential tariff rates on British autos and removed tariffs on the U.K.’s aerospace sector. Trump said on Monday that a tariff rate specifically for British steel and aluminum would be established “at a future time.”

Steel and aluminum imported from the U.K. is currently subject to 25% tariffs, half the 50% rate imposed on the rest of the world.

Speaking to reporters after the deal was signed with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said “we signed it and it’s done” before touting the transatlantic relationship as “fantastic.”

“It’s a great deal for both, it’s going to produce a lot of jobs, a lot of income.”

“The U.K. is very well protected, you know why? Because I like them, that’s why,” Trump added.

Chloe Taylor

Gold outshines Treasurys, yen and Swiss franc as the ultimate safe haven

Gold has claimed the safe haven crown. With spot prices surging 30% so far in 2025, bullion’s gains are outpacing that of other traditional safe havens such as the Japanese yen, Swiss franc, and U.S. Treasurys — compelling investors to rethink what true safety looks like in the face of fiscal sustainability concerns and looming wars.

Read more here.

Lee Ying Shan

Good morning, here are the opening calls

A view of the London skyline during sunrise looking east, including Canary Wharf, from Horizon 22, London’s highest free viewing platform. Picture date: Friday September 15, 2023.

Yui Mok – Pa Images | Pa Images | Getty Images

Good morning and welcome to CNBC’s live blog covering European financial market action and the latest regional and global business news, data and earnings.

Futures data from IG suggests sharp falls across European markets at the open, with London’s FTSE looking set to open 52 points lower at 8,827, Germany’s DAX down 245 points at 23,447, France’s CAC 40 down 75 points at 7,665 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 329 points lower at 39,568.

Global investors continue to assess ongoing fighting between Israel and Iran tensions after continued missile attacks and airstrikes on Monday.

Oil prices have risen on supply worries, and the price of gold has also increased amid a flight to safe haven assets after the conflict erupted last week.

Those prices rose further overnight, and U.S. stock futures turned lower, after U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a further escalation in attacks could be coming as he urged Iranians to evacuate Tehran.

— Holly Ellyatt

What to keep an eye on today

U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a meeting with fellow G7 leaders during a meeting at the G7 Leaders’ Summit on June 16, 2025 in Kananaskis, Alberta. Canada is hosting this year’s meeting of the world’s seven largest economies.

Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images

The Group of Seven summit concludes in Canada on Tuesday, with no joint communique expected at the end of the gathering. U.S. President Donald Trump left the meeting a day early because of the situation in the Middle East, the White House said on Monday.

The G7 released a statement late on Monday affirming its support for Israel and describing Iran as the “principal source of regional instability and terror.”

In Europe, the Paris Air Show continues, with last week’s Air India crash disaster and conflict in the Middle East dominating conversation at the show. Read more here: Boeing Dreamliner crash, military escalations darken mood at Paris Air Show

On the data front, ZEW’s survey of economic sentiment in Germany and Europe will be released at 10 a.m. London time.

There are no major earnings in Europe Tuesday.

— Holly Ellyatt



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