Europe stocks at record high as Middle East tensions ebb

(Reuters) - European shares touched a record high Thursday after the United States and Iran backed away from further military escalation and investors returned to riskier assets on firmer hopes of a Sino-U.S. trade deal.U.S. President Donald Trump imposed more sanctions on Iran, quelling fears of military retaliation and defusing a crisis that sparked a rush to safe-haven investments.Adding to the mood, China confirmed it would sign a Phase 1 deal during Vice Premier Liu He's visit to Washington..