French stocks drifted lower on Monday on renewed tensions in the Middle East after Iran rejected participation in a second round of peace negotiations with the U.S., citing Washington's excessive demands, constant shifts in stance, contradictions and the continuing naval blockade.
The U.S. seized an Iranian vessel, and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, reviving inflation and interest-rate fears. Iran has launched drone attacks on U.S. military ships following the seizure of an Iranian vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
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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.