Europe's Stocks Tread Water Ahead of US Inflation Data

European stocks were largely unchanged on Wednesday as investors weighed corporate earnings and geopolitical tensions ahead of crucial U.S. inflation data.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index hovered near recent record highs, trading at 661.26 points by 7:15 GMT.

Brent crude futures rose 0.8% to $89.57 a barrel after fresh attacks on shipping in the Middle East and fading hopes for an end to the Iran conflict.

The six-month-old conflict showed no signs of resolution, with Tehran vowing that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless Washington accepted its conditions.