European stocks fall to a three-week low, Euro Stoxx 50 Index drops 1%

(1) Most European stock markets closed lower on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 index dropping 1% to a three-week low and the STOXX 600 index declining 0.6%. Investors evaluated the latest developments in the Iran conflict, analyzed economic data and corporate earnings reports, and prepared for monetary policy decisions from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England.(2) Reports indicated that the US military would brief Trump on potential actions against Iran, pushing Brent crude oil to a four-year high and raising concerns about the resurgence of armed conflict and prolonged blockade of Iranian ports.(3) On the individual stock front, Stellantis fell 7% due to weak first-quarter revenue, Volkswagen dropped 2% amid declining sales, and Credit Agricole slid 5% as revenue missed expectations. ArcelorMittal, despite beating earnings per share estimates, slipped 1.7%, while BNP Paribas fell 4% despite strong revenue. Standard Chartered surged 2.5% after record profits, Unilever stayed flat on robust sales, and Glencore climbed 0.4% thanks to optimistic earnings from its trading business.