LIVE MARKETS-STOXX on track for biggest drop in three weeks

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STOXX ON TRACK FOR BIGGEST DROP IN THREE WEEKS

Europe's STOXX 600 .STOXX is down 0.7%, on track for its biggest daily drop in three weeks, as traders refocus on trade jitters and get nervy about escalating Middle East tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday U.S. personnel were being moved out of the Middle East because "it could be a dangerous place."

In Europe, travel stocks were the worst-off sector, falling 2.2% with Germany's Tui TUI1n.DE down 5.1% and London-listed shares of cruise company Carnival CCL.L falling 3.5%.

Meanwhile oil stocks were higher after the price of crude surged on Wednesday, with the basket .SXEP 0.5% higher; BP .BP.L and TotalEnergies are up 1.7%-1.9%.

British health and safety device maker Halma HLMA.L is topping the index, up 6.4% after annual adjusted pretax profit beat expectations.

The Netherlands' BE Semiconductor BESI.AS shares are next, up 6% after raising its long-term financial targets.

(Lucy Raitano)

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