Majority of Europe’s stock markets end lower on Russia sanctions

The main European stocks closed mostly lower on Thursday (31), amid the continuation of the war in Ukraine, with the West casting doubt on Russia’s intention to withdraw and announcing new sanctions. In addition, the market followed the release of indicators from the Old Continent.

The Stoxx 600 index, which gathers hundreds of companies from across the continent, dropped 0.94%, to 455.86 points.

After Russia said it would reduce military activities in the Ukrainian cities of Kiev and Chernigov, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg clarified on Thursday that intelligence information indicates that Russian forces are not leaving. , but if repositioning within the country. In addition, a new round of sanctions was announced.

The US Treasury Department announced the inclusion of 13 individuals and 21 entities in the sanctions target list against Russia. The UK has imposed sanctions on 14 more entities and individuals, including media groups behind RT and Sputnik.

Investors also followed European indicators. German retail sales rose 0.3% in February compared to January in real terms, while UK gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.3% in the fourth quarter compared with the previous quarter, above forecast. of analysts. The eurozone unemployment rate fell from 6.9% in January to 6.8% in February, slightly above expectations.

Oil stocks tumbled after the White House confirmed the United States will release 1 million barrels of oil per day (bpd) from national reserves, on average, for six months.

In London, Shell (-0.14%), BP (-1.93%) and BHP Billiton (-1.07%) weighed on the FTSE 100 index, which fell 0.83% to 7,515.68 points, at the minimum of the day. On the other hand, the PSI 20, from Lisbon, advanced 0.49%, to 6,036.97 points.

• Frankfurt’s DAX Index lost 1.31% to 14,414.75 points;
• On the Paris Stock Exchange, the CAC 40 dropped 1.21%, at 6,659.87 points;
• In Milan, the FTSE MIB fell 1.10%, to 25,021.26 points, in the intraday low;
• The Ibex 35, from Madrid, depreciated 1.23%, to 8,445.10 points.