European Markets React to Trade Tensions

European markets experienced a significant downturn on Monday, as trade tensions between the EU and the United States escalated. The European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Sefcovic, confirmed that the EU's first countermeasures to US tariffs will be implemented on April 15. This announcement has heightened fears of a transatlantic trade war, impacting investor confidence across the continent.

Impact on Corporate Sectors

Fitch Ratings issued a warning that the impending tariffs could adversely affect a broad spectrum of European corporate sectors. Industries such as automotive, industrials, and consumer goods are expected to bear the brunt of these measures, further exacerbating market anxieties.

Market Performances

The DAX fell by 4.37%, the Eurostoxx 50 by 4.41%, and the CAC 40 by 4.70%, with Airbus experiencing the most significant drop at 8.25%. Similarly, the FTSE 100 saw a decline of 4.69%, largely due to Melrose Industries' 7.86% decrease.

Currency Movements

At 5:31 pm CET, the euro was down 0.52% against the dollar, trading at 1.09071, while the pound sterling lost 1.36% against the greenback, selling for 1.27290.