LIVE MARKETS-European shares drop again as energy surges

Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of markets brought to you by Reuters reporters. You can share your thoughts with us at markets.research@thomsonreuters.com

EUROPEAN SHARES DROP AGAIN AS ENERGY SURGES

After some respite on Wednesday, European shares are falling again on Thursday, although they remain above the lows seen earlier this week.

The pan-continental STOXX 600 .STOXX is down about 0.5% at 610 points. It fell as low as 600.64 earlier this week on worries that Europe could again face an inflationary shock if energy prices remained elevated.

Oil and gas prices are both higher again on Thursday, on worries that energy supplies could face long disruptions if the Middle East war continues for a prolonged period.

Energy stocks .SXEP are rising, while defensives such as utilities .SX6P and food and beverages .SX3P are helping cushion the broader drop.

Travel and leisure stocks .SXTP are the worst performers.

Breadth is negative, with about two-thirds of stocks declining and one-third rising.

Here's your opening snapshot:

(Samuel Indyk)

EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: TAKING STOCK CLICK HERE

'BUMP ON THE ROAD' OR GAPING CHASM? CLICK HERE