European stocks closed lower on Thursday as surging fuel and natural-gas prices pushed sovereign yields higher and weighed on corporate shares. The Euro STOXX 50 fell 0.4% to 6,275, while the STOXX Europe 600 declined 0.5% to 637. Markets cited signs that a naval blockade in the Persian Gulf could be prolonged and signals from the US presidential administration that diesel exports could be banned. Frankfurt’s DAX 40 also fell about 0.6% to 25,256, its lowest level since July 24, amid broader Middle East tensions. Technology, autos, banks, retailers and industrials weakened, with Infineon down 4.2%, Siemens Energy off 1.7%, UniCredit lower by 1.6% and Deutsche Bank down 2.3%. Dior surged 16% after the Arnault family group announced a €469-per-share cash offer. Outside the Eurozone, the SNB held rates as expected and pushed back against franc intervention, while the Riksbank delivered a hawkish hold and Norges Bank raised its policy rate.