12:11 PM EDT, 08/26/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The European stock markets closed lower in Tuesday trading as the Stoxx Europe 600 declined 0.80%, Germany's DAX fell 0.38%, the FTSE 100 lost 0.60%, France's CAC shed 1.70%, and the Swiss Market Index was down 0.37%.

In France, household confidence edged lower in August, nudging one point down to 87 from 88 in July after remaining stable for three months, according to the Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies. Despite the small decline, the indicator fell to its lowest level since October 2023.

And in corporate news, shares of British business supplies distributor Bunzl closed 5.1% higher in London after it said in its H1 earnings Monday that it resumed its 200 million-pound ($270 million) share buyback program, which has 86 million pounds remaining. It also maintained its 2025 guidance.

Bunzl also said Tuesday that it acquired a foodservice distributor operating in Southern Spain, Quindesur, and a Mexican protective equipment distributor, Guantes Internacionales. Financial terms were not disclosed.

UBS has been approached by Switzerland's economy ministry for support in securing a better trade agreement with the US, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday, citing sources with knowledge of the matter.

Shares of UBS were off 0.31% in Zurich.

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs contacted the Swiss bank due to its significant operations and influence in the US, the media outlet reported. UBS and SECO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

Tech company ZenaTech said Tuesday it signed an offer to acquire a UK-based 3D design and modeling company serving the telecommunications sector.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The potential acquisition provides transmission tower design, upgrade, and inspection services, ZenaTech said.

Bank stocks tanked in Tuesday's trading as Societe Generale shed 6.8% in Paris, followed by Credit Agricole and BNP Paribas, which dropped 5.4% and 4.2% respectively. On the Deutsche bourse, Commerzbank led the decliners, falling 5%, while Deutsche Bank fell 1.3% respectively.