European Shares Bounce Back Amidst Middle East Tensions

European stocks saw a rebound on Friday following a three-day decline, as a pause in U.S. involvement in the Middle East conflict alleviated investor concerns.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index climbed 0.4% to 537.98 points by 0708 GMT, though the benchmark is on track for a weekly decline for the second consecutive week. The ongoing air conflict between Israel and Iran marks its second week, prompting European officials to attempt negotiations with Tehran amid President Donald Trump's statement that any U.S. military decisions would be forthcoming within two weeks.

The improved market sentiment sparked a renewed interest in risk assets, which had been sold off earlier due to conflict uncertainties. Notably, travel and leisure stocks surged by 1.1% as oil prices softened, while energy sector shares slipped 0.7%. In stock movement, London's Berkeley experienced an 8% drop despite exceeding profit expectations with the appointment of current finance chief Richard Stearn as CEO.

(With inputs from agencies.)