European shares edge higher as energy stocks climb on elevated oil prices

European stocks inched higher on Tuesday, with the STOXX 600 up 0.1% to 661.39 points as energy shares gained on elevated oil prices. Uncertainty around the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz, has kept crude near highs this month and supported oil and gas producers, though investors stayed cautious about the inflation risk and the outlook for monetary easing. The energy sector jumped 1%, while travel and leisure fell 0.7% on renewed fuel-cost concerns. Technology was up 0.4%. Investors look ahead to euro zone employment, GDP and U.S. consumer price data, alongside early movers like Alcon, which rose 5.7% after lifting its forecast.