European stocks fell on Wednesday as concerns persisted among investors over the fallout from the war in the Middle East, which entered its 12th day, along with analysis of a series of corporate updates.
According to a CNN report, the pan-European benchmark STOXX 600 index fell 0.7% to 601.84 points by 08:19 GMT, after the index recorded its best performance since April 2025 in the previous session.
Germany's DAX was the biggest loser among regional indices, losing 1.2%, weighed down by shares of Rheinheimtl defence firm by about 5% after reporting sales growth in line with expectations.
Tensions in the Middle East
As the war in the Middle East escalated, casting a shadow over markets, the war paralyzed key shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, raising oil prices and increasing the risk of a price shock, and contributing to a 5% drop in the STOXX 600 from its record level in late February.
German medical equipment maker Girchheimer fell 9% after postponing the release of its 2025 financial statements to June, due to investigations into the company's business deals.
Upcoming Statements
On the macro level, Germany's inflation rate eased slightly in February to 2.0%, and attention is now focused on US inflation data due to be released later, in addition to the statements of European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, her deputy Louis de Guindos, and Council member Isabelle Schneibel.