European stocks decline: Stoxx Europe 600 index down 2.5%

European stocks opened lower on Wednesday, struggling to maintain the positive momentum of the previous session as US tariffs on certain countries took effect.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index fell 2.55% after the opening bell, with all major sectors and exchanges in negative territory. Regional banking, mining, and energy sectors led the losses, falling 3%, 3.9%, and 3.6%, respectively, according to CNBC.

Among the major indices, France’s CAC 40 lost 2.7%, Germany’s DAX fell 2.5%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 fell 2%.