Europe's Stocks Hit One-Month Low Amid Rate Hike Expectations
European shares declined on Tuesday due to higher government bond yields and inflation data that suggests the European Central Bank will increase interest rates next week. The STOXX 600 fell by 0.6% to a one-month low of 647.08.
The euro zone's government bond yields reached multi-year highs as Europe joined a global selloff, with Germany's 30-year yield hitting a 15-year high and France's 30-year yield reaching its highest level since 2008.
Traders anticipate a 25-basis-point rate hike, according to LSEG data. The surge in European natural gas prices has contributed to the decline, particularly after recent US-Iran tensions renewed fears of supply disruptions.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, stated that 'there is now a much more compelling case to look at bonds for retail investors to provide diversification, especially as equities begin to dread the prospect of rate hikes around the globe and the return of inflationary pressures.'