European shares steady as Middle East tensions ease
The STOXX 600 index edged up 0.1% as Middle East tensions eased. Investors await an ECB rate decision while GSK fell 2% on a $10.6 billion deal to buy Nuvalent.
The STOXX Europe 600 edged 0.1% higher to 622.68 points on Tuesday morning as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East showed signs of cooling. This gain follows a period of volatility that saw energy prices spike before a pause in hostilities earlier this week. Investors are now pivoting their focus toward central bank policy and large-scale healthcare acquisitions.
### Geopolitical De-escalation Pressures Energy Brent Crude Oil erased nearly all previous gains after Iran and Israel halted direct attacks. The pause followed an appeal from United States President Donald Trump. Despite the halt, the Strait of Hormuz remains shut, maintaining a risk premium on global energy supplies.
