The major European markets closed lower on Thursday after posting strong gains earlier in the week. The markets opened mixed but quickly tailed off and trended lower, ending near session lows.
The lackluster performance by the broader markets come in reaction to recent gains, which had reflected optimism about a peaceful end to the conflict in the Middle East - although that situation remains unclear.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Market Analysis
May 01, 2026 15:54 ET Central banks dominated the economics news flow this week with almost all major ones announcing their latest policy decisions and many boosted expectations for a rate hike in June. In other news, several countries released the preliminary data for first quarter economic growth. In the U.S., comments by Fed Chair Jerome Powell were also in focus as his term ends this month.