# The decline since the onset of the Iran conflict in late February has widened to nearly 4 percent.

*business · news · 2026-04-09 · MarketScreener*

## Key points

- The Stoxx Europe 600 Banks index's decline since the Iran conflict began is now nearly 4 percent.
- Citigroup's Andrew Coombs notes European bank earnings forecasts are still rising, unlike most sectors.
- Coombs upgraded Deutsche Bank to 'Neutral,' removing his previous sell recommendation.
- Markets now expect two ECB rate hikes this year, which should boost banks' net interest income.
- Artificial Intelligence is seen as a potential driver for cost reduction and productivity in banks.

**Companies:** HSBC, NatWest, Societe Generale, Deutsche Bank
**Countries:** Germany, United Kingdom, France

[Read the full story on MarketScreener](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/deutsche-bank-holds-onto-recovery-gains-as-citi-turns-bullish-on-sector-ce7e50dbd18ef721)

---

Canonical: https://newsio.io/n/44ccb78e-d19b-4654-8c6e-e148e3094cfa/the-decline-since-the-onset-of-the-iran-conflict-in-late-february-has-widened-to
Summarized by Newsio from MarketScreener. https://newsio.io/how-it-works