European stocks plunge sharply, awaiting Bank of England and European Central Bank interest rate decisions

⑴ European stock markets plunged sharply on Thursday as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed up energy prices, dampening risk appetite ahead of the ECB and Bank of England rate decisions. ⑵ The STOXX 50 index fell 1.8% to 5640 points, and the STOXX 600 index dropped 1.6% to 588 points, with industrial and mining stocks leading the decline, while gold prices retreated. ⑶ Major financial stocks saw significant declines, further intensifying market pressure. ⑷ Although both the ECB and Bank of England are expected to keep interest rates unchanged, heightened tensions related to Iran have driven European natural gas and Brent crude prices to surge again, increasing economic risks, and the market has priced in more rate hikes this year. ⑸ In terms of individual stocks, Logitech announced a $1.4 billion share buyback plan, with its stock price rising by 2%.