Europe open: Shares up despite more Iran-US missile exchanges

(Sharecast News) - European shares were broadly higher on Thursday despite the US and Iran once again exchanging missile strikes. The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was up 0.27% to 619 at 0815 BST with most markets higher except for Germany's DAX which fell 0.08%.

Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace after its air defences were deployed to deal with incoming attacks from Iran, while Tehran also targeted Bahrain and Jordan, which host US military bases.

US Central Command said it had completed a second round of airstrikes on Iran, targeting "military surveillance capabilities, communication systems and air defence sites".

Oil prices moved up slightly as Iran said it would maintain its grip on the vital Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude was up 0,17% to $93 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate gained 0.34% to $90.

Inequity news, shares in Hugo Boss surged after its largest shareholder, Frasers Group launched a €2bn bid for the German fashion company.

Safety equipment specialist Halma fell despite posting a jump in full-year earnings.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com