- European equities fell for the second straight day, touching a three-week low.
- Accelerating inflation in Germany lifted bond yields and reinforced belief that central banks across the developed world will not be able to ease policy as much as earlier expected.
- “European indexes have a larger concentration of economically sensitive stocks that struggle in a slower economic growth environment,” said Marija Veitmane, senior multi-asset strategist at State Street Global Markets.
European equities decline as inflation concerns rise, impacting bond yields and central bank policies.
European Equities Hit Three-Week Low Amid Inflation Concerns
European equities experienced a significant downturn, marking the second consecutive day of losses and reaching a three-week low. The Stoxx Europe 600 index dropped by 1% as of 1:35 p.m. in London, marking its largest one-day slide in a month. This decline was primarily driven by underperformance in sectors such as mining, travel, and leisure.
Impact of German Inflation on Bond Yields
The accelerating inflation in Germany has had a profound impact on bond yields. Data revealed that consumer prices rose by 2.8% from a year ago in May, up from 2.4% in April and surpassing the 2.7% median estimate in a Bloomberg poll of economists. This surge in inflation has pushed German 10-year yields to six-month highs, reflecting heightened market concerns.
Central Banks’ Policy Adjustments
The rising inflation has reinforced the belief that central banks across the developed world may not be able to ease policy as much as previously anticipated. This sentiment has been echoed by market analysts who suggest that stronger economic data is bringing back the “higher-for-longer” narrative, which is generally unfavorable for stocks, particularly in Europe.
Sector-Specific Impacts
Among individual companies, Royal Mail-owner International Distribution Services Plc saw gains after agreeing to a £3.6 billion takeover by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. Conversely, Anglo American Plc experienced a decline after rejecting BHP Group’s request for more time to commit to a takeover offer. The broader market sentiment remains cautious as stronger data prints, especially from the US, have dented hopes for imminent rate cuts.
Conclusion
In summary, European equities are facing downward pressure due to rising inflation and its impact on bond yields and central bank policies. While the market had initially been buoyed by a better-than-expected earnings season, recent economic data has tempered expectations for rate cuts. Investors should remain vigilant as the economic landscape continues to evolve, with a focus on inflation trends and central bank responses.
