Al-Thawra Net/..
The European STOXX 600 index fell today, Monday, to its lowest level in two weeks, amid escalating tension in the Middle East and a sharp global sell-off in artificial intelligence stocks.
The index fell 0.9 percent to 616.04 points, with all major regional indicators declining, according to the Oman News Agency.
The prices of crude oil, a major resource for Europe, which suffers from energy shortages, jumped by more than four percent after Iran and the Zionist entity exchanged attacks, threatening a fragile cessation of the war in the region and casting a shadow over any hopes for an imminent end to the conflict.
The declines were widespread, as airline shares, which are severely affected by the increase in energy prices, fell, and technology sector shares were among the biggest losers, falling 2.1 percent.
A report on jobs in the United States that exceeded expectations gave the Federal Reserve (the US central bank) more room to keep interest rates steady, with investors also expecting an interest rate hike next December.
Investors are currently focused on the European Central Bank’s interest rate decision, scheduled for next Thursday, with markets already anticipating a 25 basis point rate hike.
