Muscat: European stock indices declined at the beginning of today’s trading: European stock indices experienced a downturn as trading commenced.

According to Oman News Agency, the Stoxx 600 index fell by 0.3 percent to reach 535.11 points, while major benchmark indices in the region also declined. The trading session witnessed sectoral shifts influenced by geopolitical tensions.

Shares of oil and gas companies led the winning sectors on the index, rising by 0.7 percent. This movement was attributed to an increase in crude oil prices, spurred by the tension in the Middle East following US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. This geopolitical development had a significant impact on the energy market, driving up the prices and influencing investor sentiment.

In contrast, the travel and leisure sector index experienced a decline of 0.8 percent, indicating a shift in investor priorities amid the current geopolitical climate. However, not all sectors faced declines, as Spectris shares surged by 14.6 percent, marking one of the largest gains of the session and showcasing the varied responses within individual stocks during the trading day.