Oil Price Drop Gives European Stocks a Slight Boost Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

European shares edged higher on Thursday as falling oil prices shifted investor focus toward weakening demand.

The pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.2% at 660.57 points by 0830 GMT, retreating from record highs in the previous session.

Britain's FTSE 100 fell 0.3%, despite the UK economy unexpectedly expanding in June, offering some reassurance over the domestic growth outlook.

Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, warned that uncertainty around the Iran war, energy prices and potential budget measures could weigh on business confidence in the months ahead.