European stocks closed slightly lower, with rising energy prices still a risk factor.

The Stoxx 600 opened down just 0.1%, with energy and healthcare sectors rising, offsetting declines in information technology. European equities outperformed US and Asia-Pacific markets, with pressure on tech stocks being the main point of divergence in today's session. More noteworthy for the macro market is the rise in energy prices, which recent supply disruptions in Saudi Arabia could further exacerbate. European natural gas prices are currently hitting new highs since the outbreak of the conflict, and in this environment, European markets cannot provide a reliable option to hedge against the shock from tech stock panic.