European Stock Markets Lose €1.16 Trillion Amid War as Oil Prices Surpass $100

European stock markets lost a total of 1.162 trillion euros in market capitalization over a two-week period as the ongoing war continued to disrupt global financial stability. On Friday, March 13, 2026, major indices across the continent closed in negative territory, reflecting persistent investor anxiety. The CAC 40 in Paris dropped 0.91 percent, while the FTSE 100 in London fell 0.43 percent by the end of the session. In Milan, the Borsa Italiana closed down 0.31 percent after a day of fluctuating performance. This massive erosion of value highlights the severe economic toll of the fourteen-day conflict on European equities. The Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf remain critical chokepoints for global energy supplies, with approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passing through the region daily. Historical disruptions in these waters have frequently led to immediate volatility in European financial markets and sharp increases in global energy costs. Market analysts often compare such periods of instability to the oil shocks of the 1970s, which triggered prolonged periods of inflation and low growth across the West.

Energy prices surged as traders reacted to the geopolitical tensions and potential supply interruptions. In New York, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil settled with a gain of 3.36 percent at the close of trade on Friday. Brent crude, the international benchmark, surpassed the 100-dollar-per-barrel mark during the session. These price levels reflect growing concerns over the security of energy shipments through key maritime corridors. The volatility in the oil sector has become a primary driver of uncertainty for European industrial firms. Investors are bracing for further fluctuations as the conflict enters its third week. 1.162 (trillion euros) — total value lost by European exchanges in two weeks

Specific industrial and automotive stocks weighed heavily on the Italian market throughout the day. Stellantis saw its shares decline as the broader automotive sector faced pressure from rising input costs. Fincantieri, the Italian shipbuilding group, also recorded a drop in its share price during the Friday session. Prysmian, a leader in the cable and energy systems industry, contributed to the downward movement of the Milanese index. The negative sentiment in Europe was further reinforced by a weak performance on Wall Street, which struggled to find momentum. Analysts noted that the erasure of early-session gains across Europe coincided with the opening of the American markets. European Market Declines March 13 2026: Paris CAC 40: -0.91, London FTSE 100: -0.43, Milan FTSE MIB: -0.31

Oil Price Movement March 13 2026: WTI Close: 3.36, Brent Crude: 100

Fincantieri