European stocks poised for negative open as ceasefire optimism fades
A statue of a bear stands in front of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on April 7, 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Florian Wiegand | Getty Images
Futures data pointed to a generally negative open in Europe on Friday as uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks weighed on investor sentiment.
Pan-European Stoxx 50 futures were down 0.6% shortly before 7 a.m. (2 a.m. ET) in London, while futures for the FTSE 100 in London and CAC 40 in Paris were down 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively. German DAX futures were flat, while futures linked to Switzerland’s SMI index were 0.6% lower.
Investors’ attention is focused on developments in the Middle East. “Don’t rush me,” US President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday when asked about a long-term deal with Iran. He also said he would not put a “timetable” for when the war would end.
It was reported that at night, US forces boarded and searched another tanker thought to be carrying Iranian oil across the Indian Ocean.
Oil prices rose Friday morning; Global benchmark Brent crude futures rose 0.4% to $105.44 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate futures rose marginally to $95.88.
Back in Europe, investors will watch for a new wave of corporate earnings, with Eni, Orange, Volvo and Renault among the firms that will provide shareholders with information about their financial health.
Friday’s economic data will include UK retail sales, French consumer confidence figures and the German Ifo Business Climate update.
