European equity markets traded without a clear direction on Tuesday as investors remained cautious following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to delay potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days.
Large explosions were reported in Tehran and several other cities, while Iranian officials rejected claims that negotiations with the United States were underway to end the conflict.
“Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote in response to Trump’s comments, adding that Trump’s latest rhetoric “is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the U.S. and Israel are trapped.”
Iran’s foreign ministry also dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying they were “part of efforts to reduce energy prices and buy time” for potential military plans.
On the economic front, new survey data showed that private sector activity in the eurozone slowed significantly in March. The S&P Global flash eurozone Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index dropped to 50.5 from 51.9 in February, marking its lowest level in ten months.
Among major indices, Germany’s DAX fell 0.3%, while France’s CAC 40 edged up 0.1% and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 gained 0.2%.
Shares of French AI software company Sidetrade SA (EU:ALBFR) rose 2.4% after Mission Trail Capital Management LLC disclosed the purchase of 80,659 shares, representing a 5.39% stake in the company.
German automakers BMW (TG:BMW), Mercedes Benz (TG:MBG) and Volkswagen (TG:VOW3) moved slightly higher after industry figures showed that new car registrations in Europe rebounded in February, supported by stronger demand for battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
In London, game developer and publisher Everplay Group (LSE:EVPL) dropped 13.5% after reporting flat full-year sales for the period ending December 31, 2025.
Shares of Trustpilot (LSE:TRST) fell sharply, declining 11% after Italy’s competition authority imposed a €4 million fine on the online review platform for misleading consumers.
Homebuilder Bellway (LSE:BWY) lost 8% after lowering its operating margin outlook for fiscal 2026.
Home improvement retailer Kingfisher (LSE:KGF) gained 1% after reporting an increase in its annual profit.
Meanwhile, shares of Spanish beauty company Puig (BIT:1PUIG) jumped 13% after rival Estee Lauder (EU:EL) confirmed it is in discussions about a potential merger that would create a cosmetics group generating roughly $20 billion in annual sales.
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