European stock markets opened lower Friday as ceasefire optimism fades and Middle East tensions resurface. The Stoxx 600 declined 0.5% with mining stocks falling 1.7%, though oil and gas gained 1.2% as energy prices climbed. Brent crude rose to $105.65 a barrel amid uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. SAP emerged as a bright spot, surging 6.4% after reporting 17% operating profit growth and 19% cloud revenue increases. Renault shares fell 2.2% following weaker first-quarter sales, though group revenues grew 7.3%. President Trump's reluctance to commit to a timeline on Middle East resolution continues to weigh on investor sentiment. Oil prices remain elevated as U.S. forces conduct ongoing operations in the Indian Ocean. Investors await additional corporate earnings from major European firms this week.
