European stock markets closed lower on Friday as heightened tensions in the Middle East rattled investors, overshadowing optimism from improving US-China trade relations.
The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index dropped 0.89% to finish at 544.94 points. Germany’s DAX 40 fell 1.07% to 23,516.23, France’s CAC 40 declined 1.04% to 7,684.68, and Italy’s FTSE MIB 30 tumbled 1.28% to 39,438.75. In the UK, the FTSE 100 slipped 0.39%, ending the session at 8,850.63.
Investor sentiment deteriorated sharply after Israel launched a large-scale military strike on Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The attack, which killed dozens including top Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists, prompted Iran to request an emergency UN Security Council meeting and pledge severe retaliation.
The euro also lost ground amid the uncertainty, declining 0.181% against the US dollar to trade around 1.156 as of 7.20 p.m. local time (1620GMT).
While markets had been buoyed earlier in the week by signs of progress in US-China trade talks, the sudden spike in geopolitical tensions shifted investor focus toward safe-haven assets and away from equities.
“Geopolitical shocks like this tend to spike volatility and reduce risk appetite,” said one analyst. “Even positive news like easing trade friction takes a backseat when investors are concerned about military escalation and energy market disruption.”
Market participants will be closely monitoring developments over the weekend for further clues on how the conflict may evolve and its potential impact on global markets.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday threatened to "burn Tehran" if Iran continues to launch missile attacks against Israeli territory, escalating already heightened tensions between the two regional adversaries.
Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, allowing trade and passenger traffic to resume in a key step toward restoring economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Pope Leo has called on the leaders of Iran and Israel to show restraint and choose dialogue over conflict, urging them to act with “responsibility and reason” amid growing fears of escalation following recent airstrikes.
Azerbaijan has enabled the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, including Russian artists and filmmakers, from Iran amid the unfolding crisis.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday threatened to "burn Tehran" if Iran continues to launch missile attacks against Israeli territory, escalating already heightened tensions between the two regional adversaries.
Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, allowing trade and passenger traffic to resume in a key step toward restoring economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Pope Leo has called on the leaders of Iran and Israel to show restraint and choose dialogue over conflict, urging them to act with “responsibility and reason” amid growing fears of escalation following recent airstrikes.
Azerbaijan has enabled the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, including Russian artists and filmmakers, from Iran amid the unfolding crisis.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
A 30-year-old woman was shot by police in Munich on Saturday evening after stabbing two people at Theresienwiese, a central park best known for hosting Oktoberfest.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday threatened to "burn Tehran" if Iran continues to launch missile attacks against Israeli territory, escalating already heightened tensions between the two regional adversaries.
Pope Leo has called on the leaders of Iran and Israel to show restraint and choose dialogue over conflict, urging them to act with “responsibility and reason” amid growing fears of escalation following recent airstrikes.
Azerbaijan has enabled the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, including Russian artists and filmmakers, from Iran amid the unfolding crisis.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
Israel’s strike on a Tehran housing complex killed around 60 people, including 20 children, according to Iranian state media. Though aimed at Iran’s nuclear programme, the scale and messaging suggest a deeper goal: regime change.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday threatened to "burn Tehran" if Iran continues to launch missile attacks against Israeli territory, escalating already heightened tensions between the two regional adversaries.
Iraq has officially reopened the Qaim border crossing with Syria, allowing trade and passenger traffic to resume in a key step toward restoring economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Pope Leo has called on the leaders of Iran and Israel to show restraint and choose dialogue over conflict, urging them to act with “responsibility and reason” amid growing fears of escalation following recent airstrikes.
Azerbaijan has enabled the safe evacuation of foreign nationals, including Russian artists and filmmakers, from Iran amid the unfolding crisis.
Israel’s strikes on Iran sparked global alarm, with leaders divided between calls for restraint and sharp condemnation. As tensions rise, the UN and regional powers urge urgent de-escalation to prevent wider conflict.
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