Eurozone Stocks Drop as Brent Crude Surpasses $100

European equity markets closed the week with declines, pressured by rising Brent crude oil prices that have intensified concerns over inflation and monetary policy. Investors now focus on the European Central Bank’s (ECB) policy decision on Thursday, where a 25 basis-point rate hike is widely anticipated. The Euro Stoxx 50 index fell 1.58% to 6,311.56 points, while the FTSE 100 in London dropped 1.31% to 10,670.06, and the Swiss SMI continued its downward trend, losing 1.80% to 13,804.70 points—a low since mid-May. The ECB’s rate decision and Lagarde’s subsequent remarks on inflation risks will be closely watched, as Brent crude prices crossed the $100 mark for the first time since July amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.