Market Jitters: Geopolitical Strains and Earnings Reports Shake Global Stocks

Global stocks took a hit as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, coupled with lackluster earnings reports, impacted investor sentiment. Oil and gold prices surged amid uncertainty, while tech stocks showed volatility. Meanwhile, the Fed's positive economic outlook provided some reassurances about global growth prospects.

U.S. futures and European stocks declined on Thursday as investors scrutinized corporate earnings amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, which bolstered oil and gold prices.

Europe's STOXX 600 index fell 0.7%, with Airbus and Rio Tinto leading declines after lackluster earnings. Wall Street futures also dipped as AI-related market jitters persisted.

Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, the Fed's optimistic view of the U.S. economy offered some comfort, while oil and gold prices rose as investors anticipated possible supply disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)