European stocks flat on trade concerns and earnings

European major stock indices were directionless on Tuesday, with the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovering near the flatline as traders exercised caution amid ongoing trade war concerns.

European stocks flat on trade concerns and earnings

President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, reaffirming his earlier announcements and confirming no exceptions or exemptions. However, he later suggested Australia might be exempt from the steel tariffs. The essential resources and travel and leisure sectors were the worst performers, while the food and beverages and oil and gas sectors outperformed.

Kering up, BP and UniCredit down

Earnings season continues with Kering's shares rising over 5%, despite a 12% drop in Q4 revenue, as the CEO declared that the luxury group had reached a "stabilization." BP shares slipped 0.1% after reporting a significant decline in fourth-quarter profit due to weaker refining margins. UniCredit saw a nearly 4% drop after projecting a moderate decrease in its 2025 net interest margin.