(RTTNews) - Despite opening on a steady note, the major European markets closed weak on Friday amid worries about the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East war, which entered its seventh day. The mood turned cautious around late morning and then stayed that way till the end of the day's session. Markets opened higher amid signs of stabilization in the oil market after the United States gave I...
(RTTNews) - Despite opening on a steady note, the major European markets closed weak on Friday amid worries about the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East war, which entered its seventh day. The mood turned cautious around late morning and then stayed that way till the end of the day's session. Markets opened higher amid signs of stabilization in the oil market after the United States gave India a waiver to buy Russian oil for 30 days as the Middle East conflict impacts global energy supply. The Trump administration's move on emergency measures, including state insurance guarantees for tankers and naval escort to counter rising energy prices, and reports that the White House was discussing the possibility of a large-scale release of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) in coordination with IEA partners aided sentiment at the start. However, stocks turned direction around noon or a little past noon, as worries about the impact of the Middle East conflict rendered the mood cautious. Weak U.S. jobs data also contributed to the change in mood. The pan European Stoxx 600 fell 1.02%. The UK's FTSE 100 ended down by 1.24%, Germany's DAX drifted down 0.94% and France's CAC 40 settled lower by 0.65%. Switzerland's SMI lost 1.52%. The FTSE 100, DAX and CAC 40 shed about 5.5%, 7% and 5%, respectively in the week. Among other markets in Europe, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden and Türkiye closed with sharp to moderate losses today. Ireland and Portugal moved modestly higher, while Norway ended flat. In the UK market, Kingfisher, Anglo American Plc, Airtel Africa, Pershing Square Holdings, Marks & Spencer, Spirax Group, Antofagasta, Barclays and Berkeley Group Holdings lost 3%-5.1%. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Prudential, Weir Group, Aviva, HSBC Holdings, Croda International, Glencore, Segro, British American Tobacco, Standard Chartered, Unilever, IAG, HSBC Holdings, Reckitt Bencki...