European equities advanced on Wednesday, with the STOXX 50 up 0.5% and the STOXX 600 gaining 0.4%, marking a third consecutive day of gains. The ongoing decline in oil prices remained a key support for market sentiment, easing inflationary pressures and reducing concerns about further monetary tightening. Crude prices fell for a sixth straight session amid mounting indications that a potential US–Iran agreement could help bring the war to an end and pave the way for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.