Europe midday: Shares up ahead of US-Iran peace talks

(Sharecast News) - European shares extended gains at midday despite investor scepticism around the strength of the US-Iran ceasefire as Israel angered global leaders with its relentless attack on civilian areas of neighbouring Lebanon.

The pan-regional Stoxx 600 was up 0.79% to 617.40 at 1158 BST with all major continental bourses higher. Peace talks are due to take place in Pakistan over the weekend.

Both sides in the conflict accused each other of breaching the terms of the two-week truce. Tehran said Israel's continuing aggression towards Lebanon was a violation, while US President Donald Trump argued that the effective blockade of the vital Strait of Hormuz also contravened the agreement struck on Tuesday.

He accused Iran of "doing a very poor job" of allowing oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, adding "That is not the agreement we have."

"There are reports that Iran is charging fees to tankers going through the Hormuz Strait - They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!" he added.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday killed more than 300 people, Lebanese officials said. Several countries, including the UK, Italy, Spain, Australia and China have condemned Israel's attacks demanded that Lebanon be included in the US-Iran ceasefire.

Oil prices fell from morning highs, with Brent crude down 0.17% to $95.76 and West Texas Intermediate falling 0.07% to $97.63.

"Ahead of planned talks this weekend between the warring parties on a possible permanent solution, there clearly remains much to iron out. Most notably, Iran is maintaining its control of the strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting that the passage remains effectively closed with only bulk carriers carrying dry cargo, rather than oil, getting through," said Interactive Investor head of markets Richard Hunter.

"At the same time, the US military is maintaining its presence in the region, although more positively Israel has opened the door to negotiations with Lebanon, after Iran had called the ongoing attacks a violation of the ceasefire agreement."

In economic news, German inflation was confirmed as the highest in more than two years on Friday, following a sharp increase in energy prices.

The consumer price index in March was up 2.7% year-on-year, in line with both expectations and earlier estimates. It is the highest level since January 2024.

In equity news, shares Sodexo tanked as the in French food caterer slashed its annual sales and profit targets, citing execution challenges and its management's review of contracts and assets.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com