EUROPEAN SHARES EDGE HIGHER AFTER SELL-OFF – Markets react to Middle East tensions and energy fears
European markets have edged higher after hitting multi-month lows, as investors weigh mixed signals from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index rose 0.3% in early trading, recovering slightly after its weakest level since November last year.
Energy stocks led gains as oil prices climbed, driven by continued uncertainty over global supply routes.
Markets have been volatile following the United States decision to delay planned action against Iran, with Washington saying talks were ongoing — a claim Tehran has dismissed.
Attention remains focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route that carries around a fifth of the world’s oil trade and remains heavily disrupted.
Among individual stocks, SAP fell after a downgrade from J.P. Morgan, while Puig surged following reports of potential merger talks with Estée Lauder.
Investors are now awaiting fresh eurozone economic data due later in the day for further direction.
