European stocks were little changed on Monday as investors weighed the U.S. midterm elections, earnings and recent central-bank decisions. The STOXX 600 rose 0.05%, while oil prices fell amid hopes for a deal to end the Iran war.
Europe’s STOXX 600 was up 0.05% on Monday after Friday’s technology selloff, while the MSCI world stocks index was roughly unchanged. Investors looked ahead to U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday and Apple’s earnings, while digesting recent Federal Reserve and European Central Bank decisions.
Investors remain cautious about the U.S. vote and the outlook for European equities. A Bank of America strategist said expected weakness in euro zone purchasing managers’ index data could weigh on the STOXX 600 forecast, and cited the risk of disappointment in the AI investment cycle. Markets expect U.S. equities could face pressure if Democrats sweep the elections, amid concerns about higher corporate taxes and tighter AI regulation.
The euro rose 0.37% to $1.1199, while the dollar was little changed at 157.72 yen. Goldman Sachs analysts expect hyperscaler capital spending to nearly double to $800 billion this year and reach $1.2 trillion in 2027; they see S&P 500 earnings-per-share growth slowing to 18% next year from nearly 30% in 2026.
