We don’t support this browser anymore.
This means our website may not look and work as you would expect. Read more about browsers and how to update them here.

Europe open: Shares rally on Iran ceasefire hopes; Crude prices fall

Wed 25 March 2026 08:01 | A A A

No recommendation

No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal. Hargreaves Lansdown may not share ShareCast's (powered by Digital Look) views.

Market latest

FTSE 100 | FTSE 250 | Paris CAC 40 | Dow Jones | NASDAQ

10106.84 | Positive 141.68 (1.42%)
Graph

Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

(Sharecast News) - European shares rallied on Wednesday as US President Donald Trump tried to extricate himself from his war of choice with Iran, while Tehran said the vital Strait of Hormuz was open to "non-hostile" ships.

The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was up 1.43% to 587.66 at 0852 GMT with all major bourses also in the green.

Trump overnight presented a 15-point ceasefire plan and claimed Iran wanted to "make a deal so badly" although Tehran dismissed this as fake news. Meanwhile US strikes on the Gulf state continued unabated and another 1,000 American troops were deployed to the region.

Crude oil prices fell on the news with benchmark Brent crude down 5.87% to $98.36 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate 5.36% lower to $87.40.

Month-ahead gas for April slumped 8.1% to 49.62 per kilowatt hour.

In equity news, shares in Lanxess surged after an upgrade by JP Morgan for the German chemical supplier.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com

    Daily market update emails

    • FTSE 100 riser and faller updates
    • Breaking market news, plus the latest share research, tips and broker comments

    Register now for free market updates

    The value of investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest. It is therefore important that you understand the risks and commitments. This website is not personal advice based on your circumstances. So you can make informed decisions for yourself we aim to provide you with the best information, best service and best prices. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment please contact us for advice.