European stocks slip amid Middle East tensions, trade talk jitters

European STOXX 600 fell 0.4% Thursday as investors remained cautious over Middle East conflicts and upcoming U.S.-China trade talks. Oil above $100/barrel failed to lift energy stocks. Defense firms Saab and Hensoldt declined. Shelly Group surged 6.2% on Schneider takeover bid. H&M slid 2.5% despite strong summer profits.