Milan and Frankfurt Edged Up 0.2%, While London and Paris Were Slightly Below Parity

European stock markets opened cautiously on Tuesday, with investors awaiting U.S. inflation data and monitoring Middle East tensions that have kept energy prices volatile. Milan and Frankfurt edged up 0.2%, while London and Paris were slightly below parity. Oil prices continued to climb, nearing $90 a barrel, up 13% in a week, as hopes for a quick agreement on the Strait of Hormuz faded amid the latest Middle East developments.

The uncertainty has brought significant volatility to energy commodity prices. Later in the day, the U.S. July inflation report is expected to influence the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions, adding to market caution. Asian markets were mixed: Tokyo gained 0.99% and Seoul jumped 3.68% on tech sector strength, while Hong Kong fell 1% and Chinese markets were weaker. The session reflected investor unease over geopolitical risks and upcoming economic data.