European Shares Edge Lower As Rate Worries Return To Haunt

(RTTNews) - European stocks drifted lower on Thursday as Brent crude futures held above the key $100-per-barrel level amid ongoing West Asia tensions and hawkish Federal Reserve commentary raised expectations of another Fed rate hike. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting at the White House later today, with trade, artificial intelligence and critical minerals on the agenda. Ahead of the crucial talks, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the extension of Busan trade truce from November 10 to January 10, easing the immediate risk of a renewed escalation in tariffs between the world's two largest economies. The pan-European STOXX 600 dropped 0.6 percent to 636.07 after falling 0.