LIVE MARKETS-Before the bell: Europe steady as earnings ramp up

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BEFORE THE BELL: EUROPE STEADY AS EARNINGS RAMP UP
European shares were set for a steady open on Monday as markets navigated between speculation about possible yen intervention, an extended surge in precious metals that pushed gold above $5,000, and tensions in Iran that kept oil supported.
The earnings season was also getting into gear, with results from the region's most valuable company ASML ASML.AS on Tuesday, and SAP SAPG.DE on Thursday, along several top banks including Deutsche Bank DBKGn.DE and Lloyds LLOY.L .
EuroSTOXX 50, DAX and FTSE futures rose 0.1-0.2%, while Wall Street contracts pointed to a slightly weaker open later in the session as the Federal Reserve's rate-setting meeting on Wednesday came into focus.
In early corporate news, Ryanair RYA.I raised its fare growth forecast after 2026 bookings got off to a strong start. Citi said the results were strong but fell slightly short of high expectations, anticipating a weaker open for the stock.
In M&A, EFG EFGN.S agreed to buy Quilvest Switzerland, a Swiss private bank with longstanding ties to Latin America. FNAC Darty FNAC.PA received a takeover offer from Czech investor Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group.
Autos were also eyed after sources told Reuters India plans to slash tariffs on cars imported from the European Union to 40% from as high as 110%, a boost for VW, Renault, Mercedes and BMW.

(Danilo Masoni)

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