European stocks firm, Middle East tensions pressure markets

European stocks stabilized on Monday ahead of earnings reports and an upcoming meeting of the European Central Bank regarding monetary policy during the week, but tension in the Middle East kept investors in a state of anxiety.

According to Reuters, the European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.1% by 0703 GMT, after falling more than 3% in the previous week.

Geopolitical concerns affected morale, with Washington warning of a major risk to American interests in the Middle East, while pressures increased due to a jump in government bond yields.

Among the main moving stocks on Monday was Philips (AS: PHG), which rose 1 percent as the Dutch health technology company raised its forecasts for the full year.

Indivior shares jumped 6% after the pharmaceutical company said it would pay $385 million to settle a lawsuit.