European markets open higher as traders track Middle East turmoil

LONDON — European stocks opened higher on Wednesday as markets continue to track the war in the Middle East.The regional Stoxx 600 was up 0.6% shortly after the opening bell. London's FTSE 100 was up 0.1%, while Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 were up roughly 0.5%. Meanwhile, Spain's IBEX 35 was trading just below the flatline after U.S.

President Donald Trump threatened to cut off all trade with the country. Spain had declined to allow U.S. forces to use its bases for strikes on Iran. Regional stocks had traded sharply lower on Tuesday as the conflict continued to weigh on global investor sentiment. Banking, insurance, travel and leisure, and utilities stocks led losses. The higher open in Europe on Wednesday comes as U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran continued overnight with Western countries trying to organize evacuation flights for their citizens in the region.Oil prices eased Tuesday in extended trading, however, after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would provide insurance to tankers in the Persian Gulf to get maritime traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz. He also said the Navy will escort tankers in the region, if necessary.In Asia-Pacific markets overnight, South Korea's Kospi plunged over 12% before paring some losses, while U.S. stock futures fell Tuesday night after a volatile session for U.S. equities.Earnings updates come from Adidas, Dassault Aviation, Continental, Uniper and Moncler. Data releases include the latest EU unemployment figures.Got a confidential news tip? We want to hear from you.Sign up for free newsletters and get more CNBC delivered to your inboxGet this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services.© 2026 Versant Media, LLC.

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