European stocks fell notably on Friday as tensions soared in the Middle East in the aftermath of Israel's retaliatory strikes against Iran.

Sony Pictures Entertainment, affiliated to Japanese conglomerate Sony Group Corp., is in discussions with US private equity group Apollo Global for making a joint takeover bid for entertainment giant Paramount Global, reports said citing people familiar with the matter. The talks are said to be in an early stage. Following the news, Paramount Global shares were gaining around 10.7 percent...

U.K. stocks declined on Friday as Middle East tensions flared up and investors scaled back their expectations for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates this year.

French stocks edged lower on Friday as an escalation of the tensions in the Middle East and cautious comments from more Federal Reserve officials on how to manage inflation and interest rates in the coming months soured investor mood.

UK retail sales were unchanged on a month-on-month basis in March, defying expectations for a gain, preliminary data from the Office for National Statistics showed Friday. Retail sales including automotive fuel grew 0.1 percent in the previous month. Economists were looking for a 0.3 percent gain for March.

Gold prices have soared past 2400.00 USD, reaching a new record high on Friday. This marks the fifth consecutive week of gains for the precious metal, fuelled by increasing market demand for "safe-haven" assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions and uncertain global economic conditions.

USDCAD pauses aggressive bull run near five-month high. Faces resistance around 1.3800, but remains supported above 1.3690.

USDCAD pauses aggressive bull run near five-month high. Faces resistance around 1.3800, but remains supported above 1.3690.

The market was roiled by unconfirmed reports of explosions in Iran, Iraq, and Syria, adding to the already tense atmosphere following Iran's recent attack on Israel over the weekend. Anticipation of potential retaliation from Israel contributed to heightened nervousness in the markets throughout the week.

Investors are keeping a close eye on gold as the conflict in the Middle East escalates with a possibility of a full-scale regional war in the area.