European
Markets Slide as US Tariffs Reshape Global Trade Landscape

Brussels, 24 Feb
2026 (ONA) — European stock markets opened sharply lower today as investors
grappled with the new economic realities following the implementation of fresh
global tariffs imposed by Washington, sending banking shares into steep
decline.

The
pan-European STOXX 600 index retreated 0.2 percent to 630 points, reflecting
broad-based selling pressure across the continent. Germany’s benchmark DAX
slipped 0.1 percent, while France’s CAC 40 and Britain’s FTSE 100 each declined
0.2 percent in early trading.

Banking
sectors across both the eurozone and broader European markets bore the brunt of
the sell-off, with indices plunging more than 1.6 percent as financial
institutions confronted the implications of the shifting trade environment.

The new 10 percent global tariffs imposed by
Washington took effect following a US Supreme Court ruling that invalidated
most previous tariff measures. The White House has subsequently signalled its
intention to escalate further, announcing plans to increase the rate to 15
percent, intensifying uncertainty for European exporters and multinational
corporations alike.

— Ends/Khalid