LIVE MARKETS-Before the bell: Europe dips on Fed day; Delivery Hero shines

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BEFORE THE BELL: EUROPE DIPS ON FED DAY; DELIVERY HERO SHINES

European shares were set for a softer start on Wednesday, holding near recent levels as investors braced for the Federal Reserve to cut rates again in its final meeting of 2025, though uncertainty lingered over the central bank’s policy direction.

Futures on the EuroSTOXX 50 .STOXX50E, DAX .GDAXI and FTSE 100 .FTSE indices fell by 0.2–0.3% about 30 minutes before the cash market open. Contracts on the S&P 500 were broadly steady after a slightly lower finish the previous day.

France’s CAC 40 futures were also marginally weaker after lawmakers narrowly approved the 2026 social security budget, offering some relief to the country’s bond markets ahead of the still uncertain passage of the state budget.

In European corporate news, Delivery Hero DHER.DE was set to be one of the standout gainers, with shares indicated up around 6% after reports that the company is weighing strategic options following pressure from major shareholders for a review.

Citi expects a positive reaction but cautioned that regulatory constraints could complicate Delivery Hero's potential asset sales to key competitors in major markets.

Siemens Energy ENR1n.DE, under pressure to spin off its wind business, could also get a lift after U.S. peer GE Vernova GEV.N forecast higher revenues on strong power demand from data centres.

(Danilo Masoni)

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