European shares steady as defence stocks climb on Russia sanctions threat

European shares remained stable on Tuesday, supported by defence stocks after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened additional sanctions on Russia, though broader gains were restrained by ongoing caution over U.S. trade policy shifts.

The continent-wide STOXX 600 index held its ground at 551.53 points, as of 0711 GMT. The benchmark closed 1% higher in the previous session after Trump extended the tariff deadline on the European Union to July 9 from June 1.

Europe's defence index rose 1% on the day after President Trump said he would recommend additional sanctions on Moscow, amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine.


In Britain, the FTSE 100 jumped nearly 1% as investors returned to active trading following a holiday on Monday.

French benchmark index CAC 40 dipped 0.15% in early trading on Tuesday. Data showed consumer prices rose less than anticipated in May, signalling subdued inflationary pressure.

Germany's DAX 40 advanced to hover near a record peak. A recent survey indicated consumer sentiment is set to improve slightly heading into June, though cautious household spending may limit a robust recovery in Europe's largest economy.

Shares in FLSmidth rose 3.7% after Goldman Sachs raised the mining and cement technology supplier's rating to "buy" from "neutral".