Europe: Stocks Back in the Red.

European equities began the week on a negative note, with the STOXX 50 down 1.3% and the STOXX 600 falling 0.9%, as markets reacted to a renewed escalation in tensions with Iran and a further breakdown in ceasefire efforts. Over the weekend, the situation intensified: on Sunday, the US Navy engaged an Iranian container ship in the Gulf of Oman, with US Marines taking control of the vessel after it attempted to breach the naval blockade of Iran’s ports. A day earlier, Iran had targeted a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. While President Trump indicated that talks between the US and Iran were scheduled to take place in Islamabad on Monday, Iranian officials rejected participation, citing the ongoing US naval blockade. In response to these developments, oil prices climbed again, reviving concerns about the potential impact on inflation and broader economic growth. Travel and leisure stocks fell sharply, with Ryanair tumbling 3.5% while energy outperformed, including Shell (2.5%).