Geopolitical tensions weigh on travel stocks, FTSE 100 Index falls on Thursday

⑴ The UK FTSE 100 Index fell by about 0.3% on Thursday, giving back part of the previous trading day's gains. Ongoing Middle East conflicts continue to dampen investor sentiment and drag down risk assets. ⑵ Travel-related stocks suffered heavy losses, with airlines facing widespread operational disruptions. Since the outbreak of the conflict, global airlines have been forced to cancel more than 23,000 flights. ⑶ EasyJet shares dropped by about 4%, while International Airlines Group fell more than 3.5%. In contrast, rising oil prices supported energy giants, with BP and Shell shares both up about 1%.