Healthcare Stocks Lift European Shares Amid Geopolitical Tensions

European shares rose modestly on Friday, driven by gains in healthcare stocks. The pan-European STOXX 600 index climbed 0.2% to 659.59 points by 0731 GMT, putting it on track for a fourth consecutive weekly advance.

The return of geopolitical concerns has tempered investor optimism that had driven markets to record levels earlier this week. Rising oil prices and renewed tensions in the Middle East kept risk appetite in check.

Brent futures extended gains, rising $83.29 a barrel, amid further concerns around the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's proposal to ban hostile vessels from the strait and impose heavy fines on those that violated the rules added to the tensions.

Healthcare stocks led sectoral gains, with Genmab jumping 7.2% after reporting higher first-half revenue and increasing its full-year outlook.