Commodities
European Shares Edge Higher on Healthcare Lift, Oil Price Concerns
European shares recorded a moderate gain on Friday, driven by healthcare stocks. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.2% to 659.59 points by 0731 GMT.
The upward trend was tempered by renewed Middle East tensions and rising oil prices, which kept investor risk appetite in check.
Brent futures continued their ascent, increasing by $83.29 a barrel due to further concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran proposed banning vessels deemed hostile from the strait and imposing heavy fines on those that violated the rules, adding to the geopolitical uncertainty.