LIVE MARKETS-Europe before the bell: M&A, earnings keep traders busy

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EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: M&A, EARNINGS KEEP TRADERS BUSY

European shares are set for a lift at the open as traders brush off the latest U.S. trade ructions to sift through a stream of earnings as they eye a Federal Reserve decision which is just a day away.

Euro STOXX 50 futures STXEc1 are up 0.4% while futures on the DAX FDXc1 are rising 0.2%, and FTSE FFIc1 futures are up 0.3%.

The mood remained buoyant despite new tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, this time against South Korea. Trump said late on Monday he would increase tariffs on imports from Asia's fourth-largest economy into the U.S. to 25%, accusing South Korea's legislature of "not living up" to its trade deal with Washington.

With macro nerves contained for now, investors are shifting focus to company‑specific catalysts across Europe.

Already in focus is Puma PUMG.DE with shares rising 15% in early Frankfurt trading after China's Anta Sports Products 2020.HK said it would buy a 29.06% stake in the German sportswear maker.

Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche ROG.S said on Tuesday that a trial of its experimental obesity drug had delivered positive results.

In the UK, William Hill UK and 888 owner Evoke EVOK.L reported a 3% year-on-year fall in fourth-quarter revenue, while bootmaker Dr Martens DOCS.L forecast fiscal 2026 revenue to be broadly flat on a constant currency basis.

(Lucy Raitano)

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