European stocks fall as UK political turmoil weighs; Trump wraps Beijing summit

European equities opened lower as UK political uncertainty and Middle East risks dented sentiment. The pan-European Stoxx 600 fell about 0.76%, with Germany’s DAX down ~0.86%, France’s CAC 40 off ~0.79% and the FTSE 100 sliding ~0.70% by early US trade. Markets were also reacting to geopolitical developments after President Trump wrapped a Beijing visit—positive diplomatic language contrasted with renewed Iran tensions that helped oil rally. Safe-haven gold retreated for a fourth session and was down roughly 2% for the week amid a firmer dollar and fading Fed rate-cut bets. Corporate news was mixed: Volkswagen labour leaders signalled no plant closures, Stellantis and Dongfeng struck a China production deal, and insurer Unipol posted a 15.4% rise in Q1 net profit. Overall market impact was negative for European equities and bullion, supportive for oil prices, with political and geopolitical headlines cited as primary drivers.