Key facts
- European shares edged higher on Friday, with the STOXX 600 index up 0.2%.
- Energy and healthcare stocks provided support, while investors remained cautious after U.S.-Iran peace talks stalled.
- ASML shares dipped 1.5% on concerns that a chipmaking machine may have reached China in violation of U.S. export restrictions.
- Earlier in the week, European stocks had rallied to record highs on signs of progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Entain climbed 1.6% on news it is exploring options for its Central and Eastern Europe joint venture.
European shares edged higher on Friday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index rising 0.2% by 0841 GMT. Gains in energy and healthcare stocks helped lift the index, though overall sentiment remained cautious following the stalling of U.S.-Iran peace talks. Vice President JD Vance reportedly dropped plans to travel to Iran, adding to uncertainty. The STOXX 600 is on track for a second consecutive week of gains. Earlier in the week, the index had reached record highs driven by progress in the U.S.-Iran negotiations and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. German producer prices rose less than expected in May, offering some relief from inflation concerns. In company news, Entain shares climbed on reports of exploring options for its joint venture, while ASML shares dipped amid concerns that one of its chipmaking machines may have been exported to China in violation of U.S. restrictions.