European markets ended Monday in mixed territory as investors balanced corporate updates with political developments. A meeting in Washington between U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders drew attention, while company earnings and policy news drove sharp stock moves across the region.
Market performance
The Stoxx 600 index closed just above the flatline, supported by health care stocks, which gained 1.4%. Novo Nordisk surged 6.6% after its weight-loss drug Wegovy received U.S. approval to treat a liver disease. Among major indexes, the CAC 40 fell 0.50%, Germany’s DAX declined 0.18% and Spain’s IBEX 35 slipped 0.17%. In contrast, the FTSE 100 rose 0.21%, and the pan-European STOXX 600 added 0.08%.
Political backdrop
European leaders including Friedrich Merz, Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer accompanied Zelenskyy to the White House to discuss a possible peace deal. Trump suggested Zelenskyy could end the war with Russia “almost immediately.” The talks follow Trump’s Alaska summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ended without a ceasefire agreement.
Corporate movers
Shares of Vestas Wind jumped 14.2% after the U.S. Internal Revenue Service introduced new rules on clean energy tax credits, requiring physical work to begin before claims can be made. Commerzbank dropped 3.4% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to “hold,” citing high valuation following a year of strong gains. U.K. homebuilders also edged lower amid reports of a possible new tax on sales of homes above £500,000.
Global context
Asia-Pacific markets mostly advanced, while U.S. stocks were little changed in early trading. Investors are awaiting retail earnings and Federal Reserve speeches later this week. Oil, currency and bond markets remained steady as geopolitical negotiations continue to shape sentiment.
