European stock exchanges edge lower as Investors remain cautious

European stock exchanges opened slightly lower, with investors maintaining a cautious stance as they await further developments on the geopolitical front, particularly regarding tensions between the United States and Tehran.

In Paris, the CAC 40 slipped 0.17%, while in Milan the FTSE MIB declined 0.14% to 49,111 points. London was also weaker, with the FTSE 100 down 0.41%, Frankfurt’s DAX easing 0.08%, and Madrid’s IBEX 35 losing 0.32%. Meanwhile, the STOXX Europe 600 was little changed, edging down 0.10%.

The energy sector showed mixed performance. Brent Crude remained just below 105 dollars per barrel at 104.94 dollars (-0.08%), while WTI Crude Oil rose marginally by 0.04% to 98.3 dollars. Natural Gas also advanced, gaining 0.6% to 3.022 dollars, supported by expectations of stronger energy demand. In contrast, RBOB Gasoline weakened by 1.03% to 3.451 dollars. Murban Crude was little changed, edging up 0.11% to 103.33 dollars per barrel.

A similar trend was seen across precious and industrial metals. Gold fell 0.07% to 4,532 dollars, while Silver declined 0.76% to 75.605 dollars. Losses were more pronounced for Platinum, which dropped 0.92% to 1,941.6 dollars, and Palladium, down 0.33% to 1,372 dollars. Copper was also weak, falling 1.09% to 6.262 dollars, pressured by concerns over slowing global industrial demand.