Brussels, July 23 (QNA) - European stock markets closed lower across the board today, weighed down by a decline in technology shares following the European Central Bank's decision to hold interest rates steady.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 1.30 percent at the close. Germany's DAX index dropped 1.77 percent, France's CAC 40 index lost 1.64 percent, and the UK's FTSE 100 index declined 0.73 percent.

The pressure was further compounded by Alphabet's announcement on Wednesday that it was potentially increasing its 2026 capital expenditure plans by $15 billion, reinforcing investor concerns about the ability of artificial intelligence investments to deliver substantial returns. (QNA)