15.04.202607:27:54UTC+00European Stocks Cautious, Earnings Eyed

The STOXX 50 edged down 0.2% and the STOXX 600 hovered near the flatline on Wednesday, as investors monitored developments in the Middle East and digested a new wave of corporate earnings from major firms. Reports suggested that the US and Iran are preparing for a second round of peace talks in the coming days, even as a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz remains in place.

ASML Holding shares slipped 0.3%, despite the company lifting its full-year sales outlook on the back of robust global demand for AI-related technologies. In the luxury sector, Hermes sank 13% after its results fell short of investor expectations, while Kering dropped nearly 8% following a first-quarter decline in Gucci sales.