Europe Stock Market Responds to Middle East Conflict

As the war in the Gulf enters its 31st day and visibility remains limited, investors are relying on fragile negotiation hopes. In this context, the CAC 40 rose by 0.92% to 7,772 points and the Euro Stoxx 50 by 0.37% to 5,526 points.

In New York, the indices are also showing positive momentum, with the Dow Jones and Nasdaq advancing by 0.83% and 0.13%, respectively, by 5:45 PM. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington urged caution regarding negotiations with Iran, warning of the possibility of Tehran rejecting diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s Kharg Island oil site if talks do not progress quickly.

“The impact on inflation may differ from one region to another, with the Eurozone likely to be more affected than the US. Inflation’s transitory nature will depend on the duration of high prices for oil, gas, food, and fertilizers,” said Amundi. At the close of major exchanges in Europe, Brent crude fell by 0.70% to $107.

In German economic news, March inflation met expectations, with a 1.1% increase compared to 0.2% in February. Annual inflation rose to 2.7% from 1.9% the previous month. Moreover, economic sentiment in the Eurozone deteriorated more than expected in March, while inflation expectations increased significantly.

Stocks on the move: Sodexo (+3.76%) received a recommendation upgrade from Jefferies, driving it to the top of the SBF 120 index. Atos (-4.03%) closed at the bottom of the same index after a legal dispute resolved unfavorably for its subsidiary Syntel in New York. Equasens (+13.89%) led the SRD market on the back of its 2025 annual results.