European stock markets closed lower on Monday amid geopolitical tensions

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 0.25%, with banks and the chemicals industry hit the hardest, each down about 1%. In contrast, the utilities and technology sectors had some gains. The declines were influenced by US air strikes on Iran, sparking fears of escalating conflict and possible disruptions to energy supplies. Investors await the NATO summit and clarifications on EU-US trade policies, which could influence markets further.