European stocks advanced on Monday, with the Stoxx 50 rising around 0.3% to trade near record highs, while the Stoxx 600 gained about 0.2%, also remaining close to its peak. The positive tone reflected a broader global equity rally, as investors continued to monitor developments in the Middle East while energy markets opened the week relatively calmly. Sentiment was also supported by declining expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike at its September meeting. Basic resources were among the strongest performers, with Antofagasta, Hochschild Mining and Glencore advancing more than 2% on firmer metals prices. Technology stocks also moved higher, while the energy sector edged up. Among individual stocks, argenx surged more than 7% after reporting positive topline results from a Phase 3 trial of its drug efgartigimod. Meanwhile, heavyweight ASML Holding gained more than 2.5%, while AstraZeneca rose over 1%.