March 4 (Reuters) - European shares ticked up on Wednesday as investors took a breather after a global equities rout that pushed the benchmark index to more than one-month lows, amid concerns about a
European stocks rebound from selloff driven by war fears; Spain shrugs off US threats
Market Recovery and Sector Performance
By Pranav Kashyap, Avinash P and Purvi Agarwal
March 4 (Reuters) - European shares rebounded on Wednesday from the previous day's bruising selloff, as investor fears over the ripple effects of a prolonged Middle East conflict ebbed for the time being, while Spanish stocks shrugged off U.S. trade threats.
European Indexes and Investor Sentiment
The pan-European STOXX 600 closed 1.4% higher, after dropping more than 4% from Friday's record high, while Germany's DAX gained 1.7%. The rally marked the biggest one-day gain for both indexes since May.
Sentiment stabilized after the New York Times reported Iranian intelligence operatives signalled openness to talks with the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency on ending the war. Iran's semi-official news agency Tasnim later said the story was "absolute lies," citing a source in the Iranian intelligence ministry.
Still, the Times report was enough to bring out buyers in Europe.
Expert Commentary
"The merest whiff that a resolution to the conflict is on the cards is helping European stocks rebound," said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB. "Sentiment is fragile and headline risk can materialize at any time."
Geopolitical Developments
The U.S. sank an Iranian warship off the Sri Lankan coast, widening the war zone, while U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the U.S. could fight as long as needed.
Sector Highlights
Banks and Financials
Banks, which shed over 7% in the selloff, rebounded 2.3%, led by Santander and BBVA.
Travel, Luxury, Tech, and Industrials
Travel and luxury stocks, the epicentre of the selloff, rose 2.8% and 1.9% respectively. Tech stocks and industrials gained 2.5% and 1.9%, among the biggest boosts to the STOXX 600.
Volatility Index
The STOXX volatility index eased over 5 points after gaining for four consecutive sessions.
Spain's Market Response
Spain's finance-heavy benchmark index gained 2.5%. It fell as much as 1% in early trading after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a trade embargo on the country, following Madrid's refusal to allow the U.S. military to use its bases for missions linked to strikes on Iran.
Oil Market and Economic Outlook
Oil Prices and Sector Performance
OIL CLIMBS HIGHER; JITTERS PERSIST
Oil prices remained close to multi-month highs as attacks disrupted energy infrastructure and shipments across the region.
Inflation and Supply Chain Risks
Europe's reliance on energy and goods shipped through the Strait of Hormuz has left it exposed, reviving inflation fears, as alternative routes would likely mean higher cost pressures.
The oil sector declined for the second consecutive session, down 0.3%.
Economic Indicators
Markets are also contending with a mixed economic picture. PMI readings showed euro zone services activity expanding slightly faster in February, Germany's growth hit a four-month high, France remained stuck in contraction, and Italy's growth cooled.
Company Movers
Among movers, Vistry slumped 25% after the UK home builder announced its CEO and Chair, Greg Fitzgerald, intends to step down and the roles will be separated after his retirement.
Adidas shed 3.6% following results, while ASM International climbed 5% after the world's second largest chip equipment maker said it expects first-quarter 2026 revenue to rise to about 830 million euros.
(Reporting by Avinash P and Purvi Agarwal in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich, Krishna Chandra Eluri, and David Gaffen)
