Germany's blue-chip DAX index ended the Monday session on a downbeat note, closing 0.18% lower, as investors assessed reports that the US and Iran temporarily halted attacks ahead of planned talks in Doha, Qatar.
Following tit-for-tat weekend strikes, Reuters reported, citing a source with knowledge of the talks, that American and Iranian technical teams are scheduled to meet in Qatar's capital city on Tuesday to focus on defusing tensions and managing the Strait of Hormuz.
"Both sides are said to be standing down for now, allowing shipping flows to continue, although disputes over key provisions of the memorandum of understanding-particularly around control and potential costs for transit through Hormuz-mean the situation remains fragile and risks to regional stability persist. Brent is up +0.71% this morning," Deutsche Bank Research wrote.
On the economic side, markets are monitoring the ongoing European Central Bank's Sintra Forum, featuring speakers such as US Federal Reserve Chief Kevin Warsh and ECB President Christine Lagarde. Economic data for the week includes flash June inflation prints in Germany due on Tuesday and for the eurozone on Wednesday.
In corporate updates, Zalando (ZAL.F) was one of the best performers, gaining 0.92%, as Berenberg reiterated its buy rating and price target of 53 euros on the German online retailer ahead of the company's second-quarter results.
"We make no change to our sales or profit estimates, with our Q2 estimates currently set on the cautious side of consensus. We view FY 2026E as a year of transition as Zalando [rationalizes] its logistics network and restructures the About You business; however, we do expect ongoing growth for the company across [business-to-consumer and business-to-business] from a structural perspective," Berenberg said, adding its positive stance on the company is underpinned by its "moderate" top-line growth, EBIT margin expansion potential, alongside unique consumer offering tailored for the age of artificial intelligence.
Meanwhile, Nordex Group (NDX1.F) secured a wind turbine supply order for 55 N163/5.X turbines with a total capacity of 325 megawatts from an undisclosed US customer. The German wind turbine manufacturer climbed 1.09% at close.