The STOXX 50 slipped 0.2% and the STOXX 600 declined 0.3% on Monday, as traders remained cautious amid renewed concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence and geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The US Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Powell, marking an apparent escalation in President Trump’s efforts to pressure the central bank. Meanwhile, reports indicated that the US president is weighing potential action against Iran. In Europe, several countries, including Germany and the UK, are reportedly considering the establishment of a joint NATO mission to protect Greenland and the Arctic region. On the corporate front, Barclays shares fell about 4.3% after President Trump on Friday called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10%. Other financial stocks also traded lower, including Banco Santander (-1.5%), UBS (-0.9%), and BBVA (-0.8%). In contrast, defense stocks outperformed, namely Rheinmetall (1.7%) and BAE Systems (2.8%).