(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 15 mag - European shares closed lower as markets retreated after the US-China summit concluded without a major breakthrough on tech deals.

The lack of progress particularly weighed on semiconductor stocks, as investors had hoped the meeting would provide clarity on export rules or new commercial agreements.

The downward pressure was compounded by geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East. While energy stocks bucked the trend as oil prices climbed, concerns remain over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran reported around 30 ships transiting under "management protocols" while traffic stays well below normal. US president Donald Trump further fueled the cautious mood by signaling a tougher stance toward Tehran, stating he would no longer be patient with Iran and urging a swift agreement with Washington.

Higher oil prices and hotter-than-expected inflation data from the US earlier this week, reignited fears for higher price pressures.

On the data front, consumer prices in Italy rose by 1.1% in April 2026 compared to the previous month, bringing the annual inflation rate to 2.7% from 1.7% in March, according to figures from the statistics institute Istat.

The London FTSE 100 closed down 1.71% at 10,195.37 points, the Frankfurt DAX fell 2.11% at 23,937.53 points, the Paris CAC 40 dipped 1.60% at 7,952.55 points, while in Milan the FTSE MIB lost 1.87% at 49,116.47 points, and in Madrid the.

IBEX 35 closed 1.07% lower at 17,618.59 points.

(RADIOCOR) 15-05-26 18:08:03 (0540) 5 NNNN