European Stocks Close Weak On Middle East Tensions, Tech Valuation Concerns

European stocks closed mostly lower as markets weighed Middle East tension risk and concerns about technology valuations. A sell-off in the tech sector followed a near 7% drop in Samsung Electronics shares tied to worries about spending and demand, with investors reacting to renewed geopolitical uncertainty after attacks on two commercial vehicles in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. The pan-European Stoxx 600 fell 0.65%, while Germany’s DAX ended down 1.37% and France’s CAC 40 lost 0.51%. In contrast, the UK’s FTSE 100 rose 0.13%, and Switzerland’s SMI closed 0.41% higher. Stock moves reflected company-specific developments, including Halma down 4.5% after agreeing to buy France-based Dreampath Diagnostics, and Shell up 3.4% after lifting its second-quarter LNG volume outlook. Siemens Energy fell nearly 9% after Barclays cut its rating to “underweight,” and Victrex surged 17% after confirming full-year guidance.