European stocks set to rise as Iran war deadline unsettles markets
BERLIN, GERMANY – MARCH 16: A truck and a cyclist pass a gas station showing gas prices well above €2.00 per liter on March 16, 2026 in Berlin, Germany. In response to dramatic oil price increases in Germany since the start of the US-Israeli military conflict with Iran, the German government is considering introducing a new law that would help curb price increases. Oil prices rose higher in Germany than elsewhere in Europe. (Photo: Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images
European stocks are set to open marginally higher on Tuesday as investors brace themselves ahead of President Donald Trump’s deadline later in the day for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
of london FTSE100 According to IG data, it looks like it will open 0.2% higher. of france Cac 40 While it is on track to increase by 0.2 percent, Germany’s Dax It will open with a 0.1% increase.
European markets are returning from a 4-day Easter break after completing Thursday’s session in the mixed zone.
Investors are having a hard time digesting mixed messages from the US administration about a possible resolution of the dispute. While Trump threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure if a peace agreement is not reached in less than 24 hours, he also signaled that the Iranian leadership was negotiating “in good faith.”
In a speech on Monday, Trump reiterated his demand that Iran open the Strait of Hormuz by 8pm on Tuesday; This will allow traffic to start flowing again on the route, which is vital for global energy supplies. He warned that the United States would destroy all bridges and power plants within four hours if this deadline was not met.
Asia-Pacific markets were rocked by choppy trading on Tuesday; Major indices headed for losses in the morning session as uncertainties about the war put pressure on investor confidence.
Investors will also be watching March PMI manufacturing data for the UK and Eurozone, due out later on Tuesday, to see the latest evidence of the impact of the Iran war on the European economy.
— CNBC’s Anniek Bao also contributed to this report.
