European markets experienced moderate declines at the start of the week, with the DAX closing at 24,314 points, a decrease of 0.2 percent from the previous trading day. Losses were notably seen in shares of Commerzbank, Deutsche Post and Daimler Truck. Conversely, Bayer, Rheinmetall and Siemens Energy recorded gains, bucking the downward trend.
Market analysts attribute the shift to a perceived lack of tangible progress following recent geopolitical talks. Andreas Lipkow commented that the absence of breakthroughs is weighing on investor sentiment, describing the event as having limited immediate impact.
The performance of specific sectors also offers insights into current market perceptions. Increased demand for defense stocks alongside declines in cyclical shares suggest a prevailing expectation of limited near-term shifts in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with diverging positions hindering progress and diminishing the perceived effectiveness of mediation efforts.
On the currency front, the Euro weakened slightly, trading at 1.1672 US dollars, while the US dollar was valued at 0.8568 Euros.
Gold prices remained relatively stable, closing at 3,335 US dollars per troy ounce, equivalent to 91.87 Euros per gram.
Oil prices, however, experienced a modest increase. Brent crude futures rose to 66.13 US dollars per barrel, a gain of 0.4 percent from the previous closing price.