European Midday Briefing: Stocks Rise; Investors Await the ECB's Rate Decision

Global Market | European shares edge higher ahead of ECB rate verdict; Mideast tensions eyed

STOXX 600 +0.3% as Mideast tensions push crude near $95/barrel; ECB raises 25bp despite energy shock. Higher rates squeeze tech capex and M&A financing; chip sector resilience signals sustained computing demand beyond AI sector's two-month rally pause.