The fragile ceasefire in the Middle East hits risk sentiment, leading to a slump in European stocks.

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on May 12 that European stock markets saw a sharp decline on Tuesday. As hopes for a peace agreement between the United States and Iran fade, oil prices have risen, prompting investors to remain highly cautious. US President Trump described the ceasefire agreement with Iran as being “hanging by a thread.” Earlier, Tehran rejected the US proposal to end the conflict and put forward a series of demands, which Trump dismissed. The STOXX Europe 600 Index fell 1.1%, closing at 605.79 points. Major stock markets across the region also declined, with both the London FTSE 100 Index and Germany's DAX Index dropping by more than 1%. In early trading, German industrial giant ThyssenKrupp’s share price fell by 2.4% after the group lowered its sales outlook for fiscal year 2026. On the other hand, German pharmaceutical and chemical giant Bayer saw its share price rise by 1.5% after its reported quarterly operating profits exceeded market expectations.```