LIVE MARKETS-European stocks pretty calm

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EUROPEAN STOCKS PRETTY CALM

The first hour of trading has been fairly calm, with the STOXX 600 a whisker into positive territory and not too much in the way of major single stock moves either.

Brent remains well up on the day, but retreated a bit as trading got underway, providing a small lift to shares which had been set to open lower.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday that diplomatic ways have to be found in order to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

She also said there is no appetite in the EU to strike deals with Russia on energy.

In terms of company specifics, the biggest gainer on the STOXX was Sartorius SATG.DE after the pharma group set new mid-term growth targets. Group shares rose 5.3% and its French unit Sartorius Stedim Biotech STDM.PA rose 5.5%.

(Alun John)

FOR EARLIER LIVE MARKETS POSTS:

EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: OIL UP, SHARES DOWN CLICK HERE

MORNING BID: CENTRAL BANKS GIRD FOR OIL SHOCKS AS RBA VOTES 5-4 TO HIKE CLICK HERE