Global stocks dip, oil gains further on Middle East conflict

Global stocks dipped as European and Asian share indexes broadly retreated on Thursday, while oil prices rose further as markets weighed the risk of a widening Middle East conflict.

Euro zone stocks were last down 0.8 per cent, as investors digested weak business activity survey data from the bloc, while MSCI’s all-country index also slipped 0.2 per cent.

Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan had earlier shed 1 per cent, largely driven by Hong Kong stocks sagging after a sizzling rally...