European stocks flat amid bond yield concerns and U.K. inflation data

LONDON — European stocks struggled to gain momentum on Wednesday, as global markets keep a close eye on elevated bond yields and a lower-than-expected U.K. inflation print.

By 8:55 a.m. in London (3:55 a.m. ET), the pan-European Stoxx 600 was marginally lower, with sectors and regional bourses in mixed territory. The index oscillated around the flatline after initially opening in negative territory.

Geopolitical tensions are also in focus after U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement Tuesday that he was "an hour away" from deciding to attack Iran, before he was persuaded to postpone the strike for a few days.

U.K. inflation eased to a lower-than-expected 2.8% in April, preliminary data from the Office for National Statistics showed on Wednesday.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected the inflation rate to drop back to 3%, cooling from 3.3% in March, largely due to an energy price cap introduced by the U.K.'s energy regulator Ofgem on April 1.

Consumer prices are expected to continue to increase, however, as higher energy costs due to the Iran war continue to materialize.

The British pound was flat against both the U.S. dollar and the euro after the data print was released, while the yield on the benchmark 10-year gilt fell 5 basis points to 5.075%.

Earnings come from Experian , with the credit and data analytics firm lining up a $1 billion share buyback program and forecasting organic revenue growth of 6% to 8% for fiscal 2027.