Photograph: Andy Rain/EPAEuropean shares declined on Wednesday as investors weighed the economic fallout ‌of the Middle East conflict as it entered its Twelfth day and digested a U.S. inflation reading. The pan-European benchmark STOXX 600 closed 0.6 per cent lower, with most regional ​bourses also in negative territory. The energy index gained 2.1 per cent, with oil majors Shell and BP up 1.9 per cent and 2.8 per cent respectively. The International Energy Agency agreed to release an unprecedented amount of crude oil reserves in an attempt to temper soaring energy prices. However, crude prices jumped 4 per cent as shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz is likely to be halted for a while.

Source: The Irish Times March 11, 2026 19:51 UTC