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The STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovered around the flatline on Tuesday, unable to extend the modest gains from the previous session, as earlier optimism over efforts to secure shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz faded. Uncertainty continues to surround the creation of an international coalition, with several countries appearing hesitant to support US President Trump’s proposal. At the same time, Iran intensified attacks on energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf, driving oil prices higher.

Most sectors traded in negative territory, with only utilities and energy advancing. Shares of ASML Holding slipped about 1%, while LVMH (-0.7%), Hermès (-0.5%), SAP (-0.2%), Siemens (-0.7%), and Banco Santander (-0.6%) also moved lower. In contrast, Sartorius surged nearly 5%, leading the STOXX 600, after its subsidiary Sartorius Stedim Biotech sharpened its strategic focus on biopharma and announced new mid-term growth targets.