European stock markets staged a notable rebound on March 10, reversing recent losses after remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the war in the Middle East might end quickly. The pan-European benchmark rose 1.9% to 606.26 points as of 0808 GMT, recovering from its weakest close in more than two months.
Investors responded to a string of geopolitical and energy-related developments. Trump on Monday said the conflict with Iran could be over soon, a comment that coincided with a pullback in crude prices. Brent crude fell back below $100 a barrel after jumping as high as $119 a barrel the previous day.
Heightened rhetoric from Iran had previously weighed on markets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they would not allow "one litre of oil" to be shipped from the Middle East if U.S. and Israeli attacks continued. That threat led President Trump to assert the United States would respond with greater force if Iran attempted to block exports from the region, a crucial hub for global energy supplies.
Across sectors, financial stocks provided the largest boost to the pan-European index, climbing 3.7% and accounting for much of the day's gains. By contrast, energy shares declined 1.2% as oil prices softened.
On the individual company front, Volkswagen shares rose 2% after the German automaker said it expects margins to recover following a challenging 2025. Homebuilder Persimmon jumped 8.5% after beating expectations for fiscal year 2025 revenue and adjusted pretax profit.
Market participants were also focused on comments scheduled later in the day from European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and Vice-President Luis de Guindos, which investors were expected to scrutinize for guidance on policy and the economic outlook.
Context and market reaction
The rebound reflected a mix of easing geopolitical fears tied to language from Washington and shifting oil dynamics, with banks and other financials benefiting from the broader risk-on move. Energy names were pressured by the reversal in crude prices, while select corporates with recent forecasts or results, such as Volkswagen and Persimmon, moved on company-specific news.