The conflict with Iran has pushed oil prices close to $100. European stock markets may open lower ac

European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions, Oil Volatility, and Trade Fears Weigh

It's a cautious open for Europe. Markets are in the red Thursday as investors juggle Middle East escalation, oil price swings, and fresh trade uncertainty. The FTSE 100 is set to dip 0.2%, Germany's DAX around 1%, France's CAC 40 down 0.8%, and Italy's FTSE MIB off 1.1%.

The energy story is front and center. The IEA said Wednesday it would release 400 million barrels from strategic reserves to cushion any supply shock—but didn't say when. Oil markets aren't calmed: Brent shot up 8% overnight, briefly touching $100. Analysts say if the Middle East stays hot, supply chains will stay tight, and prices will stay high.

Then there's trade. The Trump administration just launched a new 301 investigation program that could target the EU and a dozen other economies. Translation: more tariffs, more uncertainty for European exporters.

On the earnings front, BMW, Generali, RWE, Hannover Re, Swiss Life, and Informa all report today—key tests of Europe's corporate resilience.

And the IEA drops its latest oil market report later. Investors will be scanning for supply, inventory, and demand clues. With geopolitics, energy, and trade all tangled up, expect more volatility ahead.