Global stocks fell on Thursday, weighed down by tepid trading in equity markets across the U.S. and other major regions, even as oil prices extended gains amid rising geopolitical tension from the Middle East conflict.

By Pranav Kashyap (Reuters) -European shares inched higher on Friday, supported by regional energy stocks after crude oil prices climbed on concerns over a deeper conflict in the Middle East. The pan-European STOXX 600 edged 0.

Traders are looking ahead to the Friday jobs report, which should give more insight into the strength of the economy and the Fed's next rate move.

Crude prices jumped on worries about worsening tensions in the Middle East, while U.S. stocks pulled back further from their records.

Increasing geopolitical tensions sent U.S. investors out of stocks and into safe havens such as Treasuries and the dollar on Tuesday, after the U.S. warned it had indications that Iran may be planning a ballistic missile strike against Israel.

Oil prices surged after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, with Brent crude up as much as 3% Tuesday morning.

Asia-Pacific markets trade mostly lower, Hong Kong stocks plunged on Thursday as the China stimulus rally appeared to ease. The escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran’s missile attack on Israel also continued to grip markets and dampen risk appetite.

Asian Shares Are Mixed After Middle East Tensions Weigh on Wall St TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mixed Friday after worsening tensions in the Middle East sent shares lower on Wall Street, while boosting crude prices.

Asian shares were mostly higher Friday after worsening tensions in the Middle East sent stocks lower on Wall Street while boosting crude prices. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 edged up 0.2% to finish at 38,