European shares secure monthly gains on Middle East peace hopes

[BENGALURU] European shares edged higher on Friday (May 29), wrapping up the month with gains as investors clung to hopes that a proposed deal to extend a Middle East ceasefire and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz could be finalised.

The market optimism followed reports that US President Donald Trump was weighing an initial US-Iranian agreement. He said he would make a final decision regarding the deal on Friday.

“The market’s patience may be tested if a deal is not agreed by early June, and this could have big ramifications for the oil price and the global stock market rally,” said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose by 0.1 per cent to 626 points, securing a positive finish for the week.

The benchmark index had come within striking distance of record highs earlier this week and secured a 2.5 per cent monthly gain, but recent escalations in the Middle East conflict capped further advances.

European equities continue to lag tech-heavy peers in Asia and the US due to the region’s limited exposure to technology stocks.

Asked whether a geopolitical resolution could trigger a major rally, Marija Veitmane, head of equity research at State Street, said no and pointed to structural demand destruction and looming rate hikes that could pressure corporate profitability.

Data supported the hawkish outlook, showing inflation in the euro zone’s four largest economies hovering above the European Central Bank’s 2 per cent target for a third straight month. The figures are expected to cement a rate hike next month, with investors pricing in 50 basis points of tightening by year-end, according to LSEG data.

Prices of crude oil, a key resource for energy-deficient Europe, slipped and were on track for their first weekly drop in two months.

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European markets rise as investors await US-Iran ceasefire extension

Airline stocks are sensitive to energy prices, and Lufthansa and Air France both added over 2 per cent, while consumer discretionary stocks such as luxury added 1 per cent.

Defence stocks were among top sectoral gainers with a 0.7 per cent climb. Nato accused Moscow of reckless behaviour and pledged to “defend every inch of Allied territory” after Romania said a Russian drone had crashed into an apartment block in the alliance member state during an attack on neighbouring Ukraine.

The sector typically gains during geopolitical conflicts on expectations of increased military spending.

CTS Eventim jumped 10.7 per cent after the German ticket firm said its revenue grew by 23 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand for live entertainment.

Orkla shares, meanwhile, fell 5.3 per cent after UBS downgraded the Norwegian consumer goods company to “sell” from “neutral” due to mounting pressures from cost inflation and the Middle East conflict. REUTERS