How European stocks reacted to the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran

CNBC International TV | March 02, 2026 at 09:46 AM UTC
Bearish 95% Confidence
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Key Points

  • European equities are selling off, with the STOXX 600 down by -1.48% initially.
  • Oil & Gas stocks (e.g., BP, Shell) are gaining significantly (+2.57% to +2.61%) due to a spike in crude prices and concerns over oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Defense stocks (e.g., Rheinmetall, Renk, Leonardo, Thales) are also moving higher (+4.67% to +8.38%) in anticipation of increased military activity.
  • Airlines (e.g., EasyJet, Air France-KLM) are experiencing massive disruptions and significant losses (-6.185% to -10.12%) due to flight cancellations and rerouting.
  • Banks (e.g., Commerzbank, Unicredit, BBVA, Barclays) and Financial Services are leading the losers, with declines ranging from -2.57% to -4.361%.

AI Summary

European equities are experiencing a broad sell-off following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, with the STOXX 600 dropping significantly. Geopolitical tensions are driving up oil and defense stocks, while sectors like airlines, banks, and financial services are seeing substantial declines due to increased risk and operational disruptions.

Model Analysis Breakdown

Model Sentiment Confidence
Gemini 2.5 Flash Bearish 95%
Consensus Bearish 95%