Stoxx 600, FTSE, DAX, CAC, Iran war news, oil prices
A screen shows a portrait of Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new religious leader, during the funerals of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders, army commanders and others killed in the early days of U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran in Enghelab Square in Tehran on March 11, 2026.
Atta Kenare | Afp | Getty Images
LONDON — European stocks opened in negative territory on Thursday as investors weighed mixed messages on the status of Middle East peace talks.
Shortly after the opening bell, the pan-European Stoxx 600 fell 0.8%, while all major exchanges and most sectors were trading in the red. of england FTSE100 The index opened with a 0.8% decrease with Germany’s DAX France fell by 1.1 percent CAC 40 Italy, down 0.6% FTSE MIB 0.6% lower.
Miners and technology stocks led the decline; The sectors fell 3.4% and 1.8% respectively, reversing Wednesday’s gains as sentiment continued to rise.
In corporate news, British retailer Next It reported strong full-year earnings on Thursday and raised its expectations while warning investors that instability in the Middle East could “limit growth” in overseas markets if the conflict continues.
“It is also likely to have knock-on effects on costs, selling prices and consumer demand across the rest of the business,” chief executive Lord Wolfson wrote in its latest earnings report.
Next’s first-quarter sales were described as “encouraging” by the CEO, while European rival Hennes & Mauritz posted low sales figures for the first three months of 2026.
Citi analysts described current trading as “slightly weaker than expected.” H&M shares fell 5.5% in early trading following the announcement.
Global markets have been struggling to decipher conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran regarding the status of peace talks in the last 48 hours. While the United States says talks are ongoing on the proposed peace plan, Iran denies any direct interaction with Washington on the issue.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly He told state media on Wednesday that officials were examining America’s proposal to end the war, but that Tehran had no intention of meeting with the United States.
He added that the exchange of messages between the two countries through mediators “does not amount to negotiations with the United States,” Reuters reported.
Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that the Islamic Republic will reject a US ceasefire offer, instead responding with a five-point list that would give Tehran control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Asian markets were mixed in overnight trading, while U.S. stock futures were little changed early Thursday.
European markets will closely follow the news of the G7 foreign ministers meeting to be held in France on Thursday and Friday. The wars in Iran and Ukraine will be at the top of the agenda. Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India, South Korea and Ukraine will also attend the meeting.
