European stocks closed lower for an eighth session on Wednesday amid more concerns that higher energy prices will raise interest rates and dent earnings prospectives, while markets assessed a batch of earnings results. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 fell 0.4% to 5,814 and the STOXX 600 dropped 0.7% to 602. The US signaled it will maintain the ongoing blockade of Iranian tankers from the Strait of Hormuz in the time being, extending the impasse the prevents tankers from exporting energy and triggering another increase in energy prices. Financial companies and industrials fell further, with Munich Re, Allianz, and Siemens dropping between 3% and 2%. Deutsche Bank dropped nearly 3% after beating first quarter estimates but flagging higher credit provisions. Also, Mercedes Benz and Iberdrola closed lower after posting their results. On the other hand, Airbus and Adidas soared by 5.1% and 8.3%, respectively, on the optimistic guidances. The Fed was due to maintain rates unchanged after the bell.