European stock indices decline as Middle East tensions are expected to persist

The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell by 1%, after closing higher in the previous trading session. All sectors declined, with the financial sector leading the losses, dropping by 1.5%. Shares of UK testing specialist Intertek led the gains, rising by 4.8% after Swedish private equity group EQT raised its acquisition offer. Bayer shares also increased after the company reported higher earnings. The FTSE 100 in London fell by 1%, while Germany's DAX and France's CAC indices declined by 1.1% and 0.8%, respectively.