Amsterdam’s AEX index continued to slide on Friday as escalating tensions between the US and Iran rattled investor confidence. This second day of losses follows a sharp 1.2 per cent drop on Thursday, pulling the market further away from the record highs seen earlier in the week.
The mood on the trading floor turned sour after a fresh exchange of hostilities between Washington and Tehran. Although President Donald Trump claimed the ceasefire was still holding, the US military confirmed it had launched retaliatory strikes. In response, Iran accused the US of targeting civilian zones and vowed to strike back without “the slightest hesitation,” leading many to fear the truce is collapsing.
By the start of trading, the main index had dipped 0.6 per cent to 1,013.32 points. The ongoing uncertainty has forced many traders into a defensive position as they wait to see if the geopolitical friction will lead to a more sustained market downturn.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
