European stocks rebound with the tech sector leading gains, while AstraZeneca plunges over 9%

⑴ European stock markets rose on Thursday, with the STOXX 50 index up 1% and the STOXX 600 index up 0.5%, ending a three-day losing streak. The rebound was supported by the decline in oil prices, after crude oil had surged nearly 7% in the previous two days. ⑵ Despite the drop in oil prices, tensions remain high in the Middle East; hopes of de-escalation between the US and Iran weakened after a new round of mutual attacks. Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continues, but volume is below normal levels. ⑶ The technology sector performed strongly, with ASML up 2.6%, Infineon up 3.1%, and STMicroelectronics up 3.7%. ⑷ AstraZeneca plunged over 9%, as its Wainua drug failed to meet the primary endpoint of reducing cardiovascular mortality.