July 22 (Reuters) – European shares edged lower on Wednesday, dragged down by technology stocks as caution prevailed ahead of earnings from U.S. big techs, while investors assessed escalating Middle East tensions.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index slipped 0.3% to 641.12 points by 0706 GMT.
Investors will look to results from Alphabet and Tesla for clues on whether the rally in AI-related shares has more room to run.
Tech stocks on the STOXX 600 dipped 1.7%, with Soitec and Aixtron down 2.3% and 2.6%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Brent crude edged higher after three tankers carrying Saudi oil to Asia turned back from the Red Sea following threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, raising concerns over supply disruptions. [O/R]
The energy sector gained 0.4%.
Among stocks, Spanish lender Santander fell 1.3% despite reporting a 17% increase in second-quarter underlying net profit.
Finland’s load-handling equipment maker Hiab jumped over 10% to top the STOXX 600 after higher second-quarter orders.
(Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru)
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