The Stockholm Stock Exchange remains in negative territory at midday on Tuesday, mirroring the trend seen across major European markets. Sentiment has taken a hit following reports that Donald Trump is increasingly frustrated with Iran, with the President allegedly considering new military operations. Brent crude is trading up nearly 3 percent today.

At around 12:00 PM, the OMXS30 index was down 0.76 percent at 3,056.18. Shares worth approximately SEK 6.2 billion had changed hands on the Stockholm bourse.

Among the major industrial sectors, energy performed best with a 4.2 percent gain. At the other end of the spectrum, technology lagged behind, falling 2.3 percent.

Among the leading stocks in the OMXS30 index, Ericsson B rose 1.7 percent while Essity B gained 0.9 percent. The weakest performers were H&M B, down 2.2 percent, and Saab B, which fell 2.0 percent.

Private equity firm EQT dropped 1.9 percent. The company has sold its entire remaining stake in specialist mortgage bank Enity, totaling over 11.8 million shares, representing 23.64 percent of the capital and voting rights. The shares were sold at a price of SEK 65 per share, a 9.7 percent discount to the previous day's closing price. Enity is down 4.2 percent.

EQT has also presented a final attempt to acquire British firm Intertek. The new bid totals 61.077 pounds per share.

Among reporting companies, game developer Starbreeze is tumbling 13.5 percent following its results. Sales fell sharply while EBITA turned negative.

Game developer Coffee Stain's fourth-quarter revenue beat analyst expectations, while cash EBIT was in line with consensus. The board proposes a dividend of SEK 0.68 per share. The stock edged up 0.1 percent.

Real estate companies Stenhus and Trianon increased their income from property management in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Stenhus is up 3.6 percent, while Trianon is gaining 0.6 percent.

Research-based pharmaceutical company Camurus reported lower revenue and earnings in the first quarter compared to the same quarter last year. The company simultaneously reiterated its full-year outlook. Camurus is retreating 5.6 percent.

Paper manufacturer Arctic Paper reported lower profitability in the first quarter. The company pointed to continued uncertainty linked to geopolitics, trade barriers, and weak demand. Arctic Paper was down 1 percent.

On the analyst front, Arctic has upgraded IPC to buy from hold with a target price of SEK 300. The stock is rising 3.7 percent.

Arctic has also upgraded Meren Energy to buy from hold with a target price of CAD 2.97. Meren Energy is gaining 5.9 percent.

Pareto has initiated coverage of Noba Bank with a buy recommendation and a target price of SEK 110. The stock is losing 0.9 percent.