European stock markets ended Monday with a mixed performance, as gains among carmakers offset broader weakness across the region.
In London, the FTSE 100 slipped 0.2%, while the FTSE 250 fell 0.3%. France’s CAC 40 also edged 0.1% lower, whereas Frankfurt’s DAX managed to close in positive territory, supported by optimism over the German government’s plans to subsidise electricity costs for heavy industry in 2026.
Automakers were among the standout performers after China announced an exemption for certain Nexperia chips from an earlier export ban linked to a dispute with Dutch authorities.
Volkswagen shares gained 2%, Mercedes-Benz rose 1.8%, and Stellantis — owner of Peugeot, Fiat, and Citroën — advanced 0.6% in Paris.
The easing of semiconductor tensions offered a boost to Europe’s manufacturing sector, though overall sentiment remained cautious ahead of upcoming central bank decisions and economic data releases later in the week.
