European Stocks Steady as U.S.-Iran War, Euro Zone Data Keep Investors Cautious

European stocks were largely flat on Friday and remained on track for a modest weekly decline as investors monitored the U.S.-Iran war, rising oil prices and upcoming euro zone economic data.

The STOXX 600 edged 0.05% higher to 659.65 by 0710 GMT, keeping the benchmark close to record highs despite losses earlier in the week. European equities have received support from a strong corporate earnings season, helping offset some concerns surrounding geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

Second-quarter earnings expectations for European blue-chip companies have improved for eight consecutive weeks. Aggregate earnings for STOXX 600 companies are now projected to increase 23.4%, driven largely by strong profit growth in the energy and materials sectors.

However, escalating tensions between the United States and Iran continued to limit investor risk appetite. Oil futures gained about 1% to $87.93 per barrel after Washington threatened an indefinite naval blockade of Iran, increasing fears that the conflict could disrupt global crude oil supplies.

Efforts to reach an agreement between Washington and Tehran have also stalled, with both governments adopting tougher rhetoric in recent days. The prospect of prolonged hostilities and elevated energy prices has added uncertainty to the outlook for European markets.

Investors were also assessing the outlook for U.S. monetary policy. Softer U.S. consumer and producer inflation figures released this week strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could refrain from further monetary tightening, potentially providing some support for global risk assets.

Attention in Europe is now turning to euro zone employment and gross domestic product figures scheduled for release at 0900 GMT. The data could provide fresh clues about the strength of the regional economy and influence expectations for European monetary policy.

Among European sectors, technology stocks led gains with a 1.4% advance. Basic resources stocks were the weakest performers, dropping 1.6%.

Company-specific developments were limited as Europe's second-quarter earnings season approached its conclusion, leaving geopolitical developments, oil prices and economic data as the main drivers for European shares.