FX.co ★ European Stocks Flatten After Early Gains

European stocks saw early positive momentum dissipate by Monday afternoon, settling into mixed territory. The Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 indices are around breakeven following two consecutive days of declines. Notably, Bayer witnessed a significant downturn, dropping 7%, after a Georgia jury mandated the company to pay $2.1 billion in damages due to allegations that its Roundup weedkiller is linked to cancer. Similarly, JD Sports fell nearly 5% after Peel Hunt adjusted its forecast downward ahead of the company’s full-year results, highlighting short-term industry headwinds. In contrast, Swedish defense company Saab surged 6.3% following an upgrade to "buy" by UBS, which pointed to Saab’s strong strategic position amid increasing defense budgets. The travel and leisure sector experienced gains, spurred by the reopening of London’s Heathrow Airport after fire-related disruptions at a nearby electrical substation. However, initial optimism stemming from US President Donald Trump’s comments on potential tariff "flexibility" waned as the trading session progressed.