European stocks closed sharply lower for a second session on Friday as fresh strikes between Iran and the US added to risks of energy shortages for major European importers. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 fell 1.1% to 5,905 and the pan-European STOXX 600 dropped 0.8% to 612. Tankers and military vessels were reportedly hit during the day to dim expectations that the US and Iranian delegations were closer to agreeing on an end to the war, driving markets to reconsider the positions taken during Wednesday when the consensus saw more optimism in the conflict's end. Risk-sensitive consumer cyclical stocks closed lower, with Hermes, Adidas, and Inditex dropping more than 2.5%. Meanwhile, Safran fell 3% for another session of sharp selling, and Rheinmetall sank 10% as investors continued to assess the company's earnings report from yesterday. Meanwhile, Intesa Sanpaolo dropped 2% after posting its earnings report.
Euro Area's main stock market index, the EU50, fell to 5912 points on May 8, 2026, losing 1.01% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 0.27% and is up 11.35% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Euro Area. Historically, the Euro Area Stock Market Index (EU50) reached an all time high of 6208.30 in February of 2026. Euro Area Stock Market Index (EU50) - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 9 of 2026.
Euro Area's main stock market index, the EU50, fell to 5912 points on May 8, 2026, losing 1.01% from the previous session. Over the past month, the index has climbed 0.27% and is up 11.35% compared to the same time last year, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks this benchmark index from Euro Area. The Euro Area Stock Market Index (EU50) is expected to trade at 5827.88 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 5349.40 in 12 months time.