European equities opened lower on Monday, with the STOXX 600 falling 0.7% as investors reacted to intensifying scrutiny of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Markets are pricing in heightened uncertainty ahead of key U.S. economic data releases.
- STOXX 600 closed the pre-market session down 0.7%
- Euronext 100 declined 0.9% in early trading
- DAX posted a modest 0.6% drop despite positive earnings from Siemens Energy
- Siemens Energy shares rose 3.2% following stronger-than-expected Q4 results
- U.S. lawmakers have initiated a formal review process targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s policy decisions
- Markets are awaiting key U.S. inflation and employment data due later in the week
European stock indices began the week on a downturn, with the STOXX 600 losing 0.7% at the open, pressured by growing speculation surrounding the future of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Investor focus intensified after multiple U.S. lawmakers called for a formal review of Powell’s leadership, citing concerns over inflation persistence and the pace of rate cuts. The Euronext 100 dropped 0.9%, while Germany's DAX slid 0.6% despite a strong earnings report from Siemens Energy, which rose 3.2% post-results.