Investors flocked to safe-haven assets after explosions in Brussels, sending travel and tourism stocks lower on major bourses across Europe.
At the time of writing, the blue chip Stoxx 50 index traded 0.70% lower on the day. Belgium’s benchmark index BEL 20 was down 0.40%. Germany’s DAX was down 0.50% and France’s CAC was down 0.90%. UK’s mining heavy FTSE traded 0.80%.
Explosions tore through the departure hall of Brussels airport, and a separate blast hit a metro station of the capital city. The news sent shockwaves across financial markets, with investors running for cover away from risk assets.
Shares in Thomas Cook tanked more than 7% along with an 8% drop in Sports Direct. Shares in Air France KLM were down 4.4% as well.
The positive data releases across Europe were largely overshadowed by Brussels terror attacks news. Growth in Germany’s private sector was steady in March, also helped by a solid upturn in the services industry. Meanwhile, French private sector activity expanded in March at the fastest pace in five months.
(Market News Provided by FXstreet)