Global Market: European markets fall as Middle East tensions push oil prices higher

European shares edged lower on Wednesday as investors turned cautious ahead of key U.S. inflation data, while a fresh escalation in Middle East tensions pushed Brent crude towards the $100-per-barrel mark and revived concerns over global price pressures, Reuters reported.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.4% at 646.84 points as of 0810 GMT. Germany’s DAX fell 0.5%, while London’s FTSE 100 declined 0.2% and France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.6%.

According to Reuters, renewed tensions in the Middle East have increased concerns about disruptions to oil supplies and shipping routes, adding to uncertainty for investors already focused on the inflation outlook and the path of interest rates.


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The conflict intensified this week after Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen launched strikes on several Saudi cities, drawing the key US ally further into the conflict. The attacks have heightened fears that disruptions to Middle East energy supplies could worsen, with regional infrastructure and important shipping routes already facing pressure.

Energy stocks were among the few gainers, rising nearly 1% as Brent crude prices traded close to $100 a barrel, a level last seen in late July.

The sharp increase in oil prices has renewed concerns about inflation and could make it harder for central banks to ease monetary policy. Higher energy costs can feed into consumer prices, raising the prospect that interest rates may remain elevated for longer.

Investors were also awaiting U.S. inflation data later this week, which could provide fresh clues about the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook. Market participants are closely watching the figures for signs of whether price pressures are continuing to ease or could remain persistent because of higher energy costs.

In Europe, traders were positioning for the European Central Bank’s upcoming policy decision, with markets expecting the ECB to raise interest rates on Thursday, according to LSEG data cited by Reuters.

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Among individual stocks, shares of Auto1 Group fell 4.6% after Christian Wallentin stepped down as chief financial officer of the German online used-car platform.