European stock markets climb as oil prices fall and tech pressure eases

European equity indexes recorded modest gains on Tuesday 28 July as crude oil prices dropped sharply. The STOXX 600 rose about 0.35% to around 646 points, while the German DAX gained 0.5%, the French CAC 40 0.6% and the UK FTSE 100 climbed 0.8%. Travel and leisure shares led the advances, with Lufthansa, IAG and Ryanair each up roughly 2% following the decline in Brent crude to $84.5 per barrel and WTI to $79.3.

The technology sector remained under pressure; Dutch lithography equipment maker ASML fell about 8% after reports that China had begun producing its own deep‑ultraviolet lithography machines. Investors are now turning to the upcoming Federal Reserve rate decision for further cues, while corporate earnings from major U.S. tech firms are slated for release later in the week.