European Stocks Move Flat, Markets Monitor Signals on US-Iran Negotiations
European stocks were directionless on Friday (April 17), with the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 hovering around their previous closing levels. Market participants hedged on risk while monitoring geopolitical developments in the Middle East.
Although flat on the daily, both indexes remained on track for slight weekly gains. Investors believe the chances of de-escalation could improve if diplomatic progress is made between the United States and Iran.
US President Donald Trump said the prospects for a deal with Iran "look very good" and suggested talks could resume over the weekend. However, he also claimed Iran had agreed to a number of terms without providing evidence, prompting market caution.
On the issuer side, Ericsson shares fell around 2.5% after financial results missed expectations. On the week, the STOXX 50 rose 0.2% and the STOXX 600 gained 0.4%. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id