
European stocks were mostly up in the opening on Friday, and oil prices were inching upwards amid uncertainty as the ceasefire between the US and Iran appeared fragile and the Strait of Hormuz largely remained closed ahead of talks between the two sides on Saturday.
Talks between the US and Iran are expected to begin on Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at securing a permanent ceasefire in the Iran war, with US Vice President JD Vance set to lead the American delegation.