Europe stocks slip on AI concerns, escalating Iran tensions

Europe's major stock indices declined on Tuesday (Nov 3), with technology stocks leading the decline as worries over the outlook for the artificial intelligence sector cast a shadow over investor sentiment. The Stoxx 600 index dropped 0.4% to 647.13 points, while the technology sector suffered a 1.6% loss, driven by significant declines in STMicro and ASML.

Siemens Energy also experienced a 1% drop. Earlier in the day, Asian technology benchmarks faced pressure as investors questioned the sustainability of the AI-driven rally following disappointing results from major U.S. tech firms in the prior week. Concerns mounted about potential overvaluation of the sector globally. Apple's cautious outlook for holiday quarter earnings further dampened investor spirits.

Despite these headwinds, some European equities showed resilience, with BNP Paribas Asset Management's Gilles Guibout suggesting a buy on weakness approach due to cooling valuations and positive earnings dynamics. Drax, a UK power firm, surged 9% following a partnership with Brookfield and Radiant for a data center project, estimated to attract over £20 billion in investment.

Bayer also gained 4.4% after raising its 2026 profit forecast. In the healthcare sector, Bayer's strong performance makes it an attractive diversifier against AI-fueled market volatility. Meanwhile, the U.S. executed strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz and the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections cast a shadow over global markets.

Lufthansa rose 3.3% on broadly resilient results, while Philips benefited from a preliminary agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve investigations linked to its 2021 global recall of sleep and respiratory-care devices. Adidas saw a 2% drop after UBS downgraded it to "sell."