Why did European automakers slide on Monday, and which companies were most affected?

European automakers slid due to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he would raise tariffs on cars and trucks from the European Union to 25% from the prior 15%, citing the EU's non-compliance with its trade deal. German automakers led the decline: BMW (BMWG.DE) and Mercedes (MBGn.DE) each dropped over 2%, while Porsche (PSHG_p.DE) and Volkswagen (VOWG.DE) fell 1.5% each; Daimler Truck (DTGGe.DE) and Traton (8TRA.DE) were also marginally down, contributing to a 1.6% fall in the automobiles index (.SXAP).

How did broader European equity markets perform on Monday, and what context explains their lack of momentum?

The pan-European STOXX 600 (.STOXX) was flat at 611.98 points as of 0704 GMT, with most regional bourses muted—including Germany's DAX (.GDAXI), which was little changed—while London markets were closed for a public holiday. European equities remain about 4% below their pre-war trading levels, lagging behind Wall Street and global equities that have rebounded on AI-driven optimism, with Europe's energy dependence cited as a persistent drag on shares.

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European equities remained flat as investors monitored Middle East negotiations, while auto stocks fell on US tariff threats. Thyssenkrupp paused talks to sell its steel unit to India's Jindal Steel.

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Thyssenkrupp, Jindal agree to pause talks on sale of steel unit

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European Shares Steady as Investors Assess Mideast Progress; Automakers Slide

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