European stocks look set to drift lower at open on Monday as Middle East tensions escalated over the weekend and the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, leading to a rebound in crude oil prices.
Iran has rejected participation in a second round of peace talks under U.S. pressure, insisting on Hormuz rights amid ceasefire violations and disputed U.S. claims.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Market Analysis
April 17, 2026 15:29 ET The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to raise concerns for policymakers who worry about the impact of the supply shock and high energy prices on the real economy. Producer price data and various survey results on the housing market were the main news from the U.S. this week. In Europe, industrial production data for the euro area gained attention. GDP figures out of China and the policy move by the Singapore central bank were in focus in Asia.