European stock markets experienced a slight downturn at the start of the week, with the DAX closing at 24,314 points, a decrease of 0.2 percent from the previous trading day. Shares in Commerzbank, Deutsche Post and Daimler Truck were among those most affected by the decline.
Conversely, Bayer, Rheinmetall and Siemens Energy saw gains, bucking the overall trend.
Market analysts attribute the downturn, in part, to a lack of substantive progress observed during recent geopolitical discussions between the United States and Russia. One analyst described the outcome as having little tangible impact on financial markets.
A notable pattern emerged within sectoral performance, with defense stocks performing strongly while cyclical stocks experienced losses. The prevailing expectation of limited immediate shifts in the Ukrainian conflict, coupled with perceived limitations in mediation efforts, contributed to this dynamic.
On the currency markets, the Euro weakened to $1.1672, while the US dollar was valued at €0.8568. Gold prices remained relatively stable, trading at $3,335 per troy ounce, equivalent to €91.87 per gram.
Oil prices, however, saw a modest increase, with Brent crude reaching $66.13 per barrel – a gain of 28 cents, or 0.4 percent, from the previous close.
