European Stocks Start Week Higher

European stocks started the week higher, with the Euro Stoxx 50 gaining 1% and the broader Stoxx 600 rising 0.8%, as falling oil prices improved sentiment ahead of a busy week of economic releases and central bank decisions. Italy led regional markets with gains exceeding 1%, while Germany, the UK and France advanced between 0.7% and 0.9%. Spain lagged, rising less than 0.5%. Sector performance reflected the decline in energy costs, with travel & leisure climbing more than 1.5%, alongside industrial goods & services, while banks and automobiles & parts each gained over 1%. Basic resources, construction & materials, and personal & household goods also advanced. On the other hand, Banco Santander fell around 3% and Telefónica dropped 7%, amid their significant exposure to Brazil. Galp plunged more than 10% despite strong quarterly results, after negotiations with Moeve to combine their refining, chemicals and fuel retail operations collapsed.