European Stocks Slip as Hormuz Disruption Hits

European indices fell Wednesday, Stoxx 600 down 0.2% while DAX, CAC40 and FTSE 100 slipped 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.1% respectively.
Shipping attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and a continuing U.S. blockade kept oil flow constrained, fuelling inflation worries as UK CPI rose to 3.3% in March.
Brent crude hovered near $98 per barrel and natural‑gas prices stayed above pre‑war levels, pressuring energy‑sensitive markets.
ABB, AkzoNobel and Tele2 posted earnings beats, with ABB shares up over 5% after raising full‑year sales guidance.