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<\/a><\/p>\nGeopolitical Worries Weigh on Markets
\nEuropean stocks slipped on Thursday as escalating Middle East tensions drove oil prices higher, while investors digested central bank decisions from the UK, Switzerland, and Norway.<\/p>\n
The Stoxx 600 fell 0.3% to 538.56, with losses across major indices. The benchmark has now declined in 8 of the last 9 sessions, shedding ~2.7% since June 6.<\/p>\n
Axel Rudolph, Senior Technical Analyst at IG, noted:<\/p>\n
*”Ongoing Israel-Iran missile attacks and potential US involvement have raised fears of supply disruptions, pushing oil and gas to 4-month highs.”*<\/p>\n
Oil Prices Climb on Supply Fears
\nBrent crude rose above $78, nearing January highs.<\/p>\n
Prices have surged 20% in a month amid geopolitical risks.<\/p>\n
Central Bank Decisions in Focus
\n1. Bank of England (BoE) \u2013 Rates Unchanged
\nHeld at 5.25%, as expected.<\/p>\n
Markets now eyeing potential August cut.<\/p>\n
2. Swiss National Bank (SNB) \u2013 Second Cut in 2024
\nReduced rates by 25bps to 1.25%, following June\u2019s cut.<\/p>\n
3. Norges Bank \u2013 Surprise Rate Cut
\nLowered rates by 25bps to 4.25%, contrary to expectations of a hold.<\/p>\n
Sector Movers: Banks Under Pressure
\nSociete Generale, BNP Paribas, HSBC, Barclays, UBS all declined.<\/p>\n
Deutsche Bank & Commerzbank edged higher, bucking the trend.<\/p>\n
Biggest Fallers
\nRevolution Beauty (UK) \u2013 Plunged 35% after Frasers Group abandoned takeover talks.<\/p>\n
Randstad & Adecco \u2013 Fell sharply after Hays issued a profit warning.<\/p>\n
Outlook: Will Markets Recover?
\nWith Middle East tensions lingering and oil prices elevated, European equities face near-term pressure. Investors will watch:
\n\u2714 Further geopolitical developments
\n\u2714 US Fed\u2019s next move
\n\u2714 Eurozone economic data (after April construction output rose 1.7%)<\/p>\n
Bottom Line: Risk-off sentiment prevails, but bargain hunters may step in if tensions ease.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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