Markets

European shares fall as Middle East conflict fans inflation worries

  • The pan-European STOXX 600 ​was down 0.6% at 583.8 points
Published March 26, 2026 Updated March 26, 2026 01:30pm
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European shares slipped on Thursday ‌as investors grappled with the prospect of an imminent rate hike by the European Central Bank and dimming hopes for a quick end to ​the Middle East conflict.

The pan-European STOXX 600 ​was down 0.6% at 583.8 points by 0809 GMT, and ⁠was on track to break a three-day winning streak.

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Policymaker ​Joachim Nagel told Reuters that the ECB has “an option” to ​raise interest rates at its April meeting, a day after President Christine Lagarde said that the central bank was prepared to ​act at any meeting to keep inflation at its ​2% target.

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