The pan-European benchmark closed down 1.5% at 606.92 points, snapping two straight days of gains. Germany’s DAX declined the most among regional bourses, down 2.1% on ‌Friday.

Positive corporate earnings ⁠and ⁠a rally in semiconductor shares aided gains this week, but were overshadowed by cost-of-living worries as energy prices stay elevated.

Europe’s materials index led declines, dropping 5.1% tracking weaker metal prices, while the defence sector fell 3.6%, the worst weekly performance among individual sectors.

Semiconductor firms paused their recent rally, with ASML , and Aixtron down 4.4% and 6%, respectively.

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U.S. President Donald Trump finished his two-day meeting with China’s President Xi Jinping, which yielded little headway with regard to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump ⁠also said his patience ‌with Iran was running out.
“Energy prices are pretty much the biggest problem facing Europe and ultimately, there doesn’t appear to be any political will to address that ⁠and markets are pricing that,” said Michael Hewson, senior market analyst at iForex. Inflation data out of several European countries and the U.S. this week showed that the jump in energy costs have started reflecting in consumer and producer prices, prompting investors to price in at least two rate hikes by the end of the year by the European Central Bank. Reflecting this, bond markets also witnessed a selloff.

“Markets which are more reliant on foreign energy imports and manufacturing heavy, which is energy intensive, feel the pain a ‌bit more,” said Daniel von Ahlen, senior macro strategist at GlobalData TS Lombard.

Economically sensitive cyclical sectors also came under pressure, with banks dropping 6% as BNP Paribas and Deutsche Bank lost 3% and 2.6%, respectively.

Meanwhile ⁠political uncertainty was rife in the UK as Prime Minister Keir Starmer struggled to hold on to power after his main rival signalled a challenge to his leadership. The blue-chip FTSE 100 ended down 1.7%, while the more domestically-focused mid-cap index lost 1%.

Among others, LVMH dipped 1.1% after the conglomerate agreed to sell fashion brand Marc Jacobs.

Stellantis fell 4.2% after the carmaker signed a roughly 1-billion-euro ($1.16 billion) deal with China’s Dongfeng to produce Peugeot- and Jeep-branded vehicles.

Bucking the trend, Technoprobe soared 32.3% after the Italian semiconductor firmupgraded its 2026 outlook.

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Former FBI special agent Jennifer Coffindaffer has drawn fresh attention to the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case by publicly questioning why Tommaso Cioni’s name no longer appears on the teacher roster at the BASIS Oro Valley charter school where he taught sixth-grade biology, raising new online speculation more than 100 days after the 84-year-old vanished from her Catalina Foothills home.

Coffindaffer, who has closely followed the high-profile case, posted on X this week after checking the school’s website. “Some have reported that Annie & Tommaso have not been seen. I personally checked the BASIS Oro Valley school where Tommaso teaches 6th grade biology. I do not see his name listed as a teacher…” she wrote, adding that the absence could indicate he is on leave or that the school is avoiding listing him amid intense public scrutiny and accusations.

The comments have reignited online discussions and conspiracy theories surrounding Cioni, Nancy’s son-in-law, who was the last known person to see her alive. Authorities have repeatedly stated that Cioni and his wife Annie Guthrie have been fully cooperative, passed polygraphs and are not considered suspects. Yet Coffindaffer noted the potential damage from persistent online narratives, warning that millions remain convinced of his involvement despite official clearances.

Case Background and Lingering Questions

Nancy Guthrie disappeared on January 31, 2026, after Cioni dropped her off at her home following a family dinner. She was reported missing the next morning when she failed to appear for a scheduled church livestream. Blood evidence and signs of forced entry were discovered inside the residence, prompting an intense investigation involving local deputies and the FBI.

A masked individual captured on doorbell footage remains a person of interest, though no arrests have been made. Early cryptocurrency ransom demands were investigated and dismissed. DNA evidence has been sent for advanced analysis, with some results still pending. The case crossed the 100-day mark this week, shifting focus from rescue to potential recovery and prosecution.

Sheriff Chris Nanos has expressed confidence that answers will come, while acknowledging the intense public interest and the emotional toll on the Guthrie family. Savannah Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, has offered unwavering support for her sister and brother-in-law while making occasional public pleas for information.

Coffindaffer’s Observations Draw Attention

Coffindaffer, a retired FBI agent known for her commentary on true-crime cases, has been vocal about the Nancy Guthrie mystery for weeks. She previously called online targeting of Cioni “absurd” and attributed part of it to confirmation bias and how he “looks the part” in armchair detective theories. Her latest post about the missing teacher listing has amplified those discussions, with many users speculating about why Cioni might no longer be listed.

School officials have not commented publicly on Cioni’s employment status. Neighbors reportedly told amateur investigators that Annie and Tommaso have not been seen at their home for over a week, with their vehicle also absent, though these claims remain unconfirmed by law enforcement.

Coffindaffer emphasized the human cost. “Millions remain convinced he abducted his mother-in-law of 20 years,” she wrote, suggesting possible impacts on reputation, employment and family life. She raised the prospect of future defamation actions if the couple proves innocent, citing Arizona law on proving falsehoods and resulting harm.

Family Cleared but Scrutiny Endures

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and deputies have repeatedly stated that Annie and Tommaso passed scrutiny early in the investigation. Polygraphs, vehicle seizures for forensic testing and interviews cleared them. Early media reports labeling Cioni a “prime suspect” based on unnamed sources were swiftly walked back.

Despite official clearances, public fixation lingers. Cioni’s Italian heritage, appearance and role as the last confirmed person to see Nancy have made him a lightning rod for online speculation. Coffindaffer has called such targeting unfair, noting the couple’s low profile may reflect trauma and strategic caution rather than guilt.

Savannah Guthrie has described her sister and brother-in-law as loving family members devastated by the loss. In a recent Mother’s Day tribute, she pleaded for answers while sharing warm memories of her mother.

Investigation Timeline and Challenges

Nancy was last seen around 9:50 p.m. on January 31 after Cioni verified she entered her home safely. Her phone, belongings and vehicle remained at the residence. Deputies found blood drops and evidence of disturbance when family members checked the next morning.

A masked individual on doorbell footage became a person of interest, though no arrests have followed. DNA evidence has been sent for analysis. Critics have questioned the sheriff’s office handling, including initial delays in involving the FBI.

As the case passed the 100-day mark, experts noted the shift from rescue to potential recovery mission. No proof of life has emerged since the night she disappeared. Sheriff Nanos expressed confidence that answers will come.

Broader Context and Public Fascination

The case has drawn widespread attention, from true-crime podcasts to celebrity commentary. Khloé Kardashian recently called it “mind-blowing” on her podcast, expressing obsession with the lack of leads. Online communities dissect every detail, from alleged home surveys before the disappearance to Cioni’s past activities.

Cioni, who moved from Tuscany to the U.S. over two decades ago, married Annie in 2008. He built a reputation as an engaging educator known for hands-on projects. Annie teaches poetry at the University of Arizona. The couple has a son navigating the intense spotlight.

Coffindaffer highlighted the human toll. Public ridicule, job uncertainties and strain on their child represent significant damages if the family pursues legal recourse against false accusations.

What Lies Ahead

Investigators continue analyzing forensic evidence, pursuing tips and monitoring digital trails. The $1 million family reward remains active.

For the Guthrie family, the wait stretches on amid grief and speculation. As one former agent observed, the couple’s low profile may reflect trauma rather than guilt.

Pima County officials urge the public to focus on verified facts while submitting credible tips. The mystery of Nancy Guthrie’s fate — and the collateral questions surrounding her son-in-law’s job and the family’s whereabouts — endures as a stark reminder of how a single night can upend lives and fuel endless online inquiry.

Authorities emphasize that while public interest is understandable, baseless accusations can hinder investigations and harm innocents. As day 105 dawns with no resolution, the search for truth continues in Tucson and beyond.

Edited excerpts from a chat:

Nifty gave up gains made in the previous two weeks to end 2.2% lower but showed support at 23,260 level. How would you trade the index in the week ahead?

On Friday, Nifty found resistance at the previously acted support that turned a resistance during the week. Besides, the index found resistance at 20EMA on the daily chart and around 50EMA on the hourly chart, closing about 200 points off the day’s high. On the hourly chart, the RSI is in bearish crossover and falling.

On the daily chart, a set of lower tops could be seen which suggests a rise of weakness in the market and this can be considered as initial signs of bears taking control in the market pushing bulls away.

A support is placed at 23500, once Nifty moves below 23500 decisively a significant fall might come in the market taking the index towards 23150 and may be lower. On the higher end, 23800 continues to act as crucial resistance for the short term. As long as it remains below this resistance of 23800 the bears might have upper hand on the market.

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Nifty IT index tumbled another 6%. Do you see chances of any relief rally?

Indian IT witnessed a sharp decline during the week, dragging the index below the 28000 mark. On the daily chart, the index has been consistently forming lower tops and lower bottoms, indicating a descending price structure and a weakening trend.
The overall sentiment in the sector remains bearish, and any short-term rise is likely to attract selling pressure. Although IT stocks witnessed some buying interest on Friday, a complete trend reversal cannot be confirmed based on a single day’s recovery. The broader chart structure continues to remain weak, suggesting that further correction in the sector is still possible.

Kaynes was the top loser in the week and fell 27%. What are the charts indicating at: buy the dip or more pain ahead?

The stock has broken below its previous low, confirming a weakening trend, while the recent recovery attempt failed to sustain. On the weekly chart as well, the stock has slipped below its earlier swing low, indicating the possibility of a deeper correction from current levels.

Considering the overall chart structure, buying on dips appears risky at this stage. It would be prudent to avoid fresh buying in the stock for now and instead look for better opportunities in relatively stronger counters within the market.

HFCL shares have surprised by more than doubling in just 3 months. What would you recommend for those who missed the rally?

The stock has witnessed a spectacular rally over the last few months, surging nearly 124% in just one and a half months. Although the overall trend continues to remain bullish, entering the stock after such a sharp move appears highly risky, not only in this counter but in any stock that has rallied aggressively in a short span of time.

The better strategy at this stage would be to avoid chasing the rally and wait for a meaningful dip before considering any fresh entry. Alternatively, investors may look for opportunities in other stocks that offer a more favourable risk-reward setup.

Give us your top trading ideas for the week.

Buy Marico | CMP: 841 | SL: 824 | Target: 880

The stock, after witnessing a healthy rally, is currently consolidating on the daily chart, indicating strength within the ongoing uptrend. Prices continue to sustain above key moving averages, which reflects a positive underlying structure. Besides, the RSI remains in a bullish crossover and is trending higher, signalling improving momentum.

In the short term, the stock may move towards 880, while immediate support is placed at 824. A breach below this level could drag the stock into a broader consolidation phase.

Buy Arvind | CMP: 451 | SL: 429 | Target: 495

The stock has given a swing high breakout on the weekly chart, indicating rising bullishness in the counter. In addition, the weekly 20 EMA has moved above the 50 EMA, confirming a bullish crossover and strengthening the positive trend structure. The RSI is also witnessing an ascending formation, suggesting improving momentum.

The overall trend appears strong, with the potential for further upside towards 495. On the downside, support is placed at 429.

Buy Triveni Turbine | CMP: 607 | SL: 590 | Target: 642

The stock has given a consolidation breakout on the daily chart, signalling strengthening bullish momentum. Besides, the weekly 50 EMA has crossed above the 200 SMA, indicating a positive long-term trend reversal. The RSI has also entered a bullish crossover on the daily timeframe, supporting the improving momentum outlook.

The trend structure remains favourable, with the stock having the potential to move towards 642 in the near term. On the downside, support is placed at 590.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)