European markets moved sharply lower on October 1, 2026, with all major equity benchmarks in the supplied data recording losses. The session marked a significant reversal from the broadly positive performance on September 30, with declines exceeding 1% across every major equity index listed.

MSCI Europe recorded the largest decline, falling 1.67% to 2,698.19. The FTSE 100 followed with a 1.72% decline to 10,423.91, while the CAC 40 dropped 1.29% to 7,861.38.

Major European Equity Benchmarks Retreat

The EURO STOXX 50 declined 1.19% to 6,194.47, while the Euronext 100 Index fell 1.16% to 1,863.07. The DAX also moved sharply lower, declining 1.14% to 24,911.06.

The broad-based losses represented a clear reversal from the previous session, when all major equity benchmarks advanced. The FTSE 100 and MSCI Europe recorded the largest percentage declines in the latest data, while the DAX and Euronext 100 also fell by more than 1%.

The CAC 40 and EURO STOXX 50 also declined substantially, leaving every major equity benchmark in negative territory.

European Currencies Show Mixed Performance

Currency markets were mixed. The British Pound Index gained 0.31% to 132.70, while the Euro Index declined 0.08% to 113.31.

The pound therefore strengthened despite the broad weakness across European equities. The euro, meanwhile, continued to move lower after declining 0.25% in the previous session.

The contrasting currency performance provided a notable divergence from the widespread declines across European stock markets.

Outlook

European markets began October with a broad equity selloff, as every major benchmark in the supplied data declined by more than 1%. The FTSE 100 and MSCI Europe recorded the largest percentage moves, while the DAX, EURO STOXX 50, Euronext 100 and CAC 40 also posted significant losses. Currency markets were mixed, with the pound strengthening while the euro weakened. The next sessions will show whether the sharp equity decline persists or stabilizes.