LIVE MARKETS-Europe Before the Bell: Futures Higher on Iran De-escalation Signs
EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: FUTURES HIGHER ON IRAN DE-ESCALATION SIGNS
European stocks look set to end a terrible month on a slightly positive note due to signs of de-escalation in the Middle East.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump told aides he was willing to end the military campaign, even if the Strait of Hormuz were to remain largely closed.
Stock markets are welcoming Trump's apparent desire to examine his exit options. Euro STOXX 50 futures STXEc1 are up 0.5%. Futures on the DAX FDXc1 and CAC FCEc1 are also rising, while FTSE futures FFIc1 are in the red.
Wall Street futures EScv1 are higher too.
In Asia, the mood was less upbeat with most markets ending March in negative territory to round off a brutal month. Japan's Nikkei 225 .N225 and South Korea's Kospi .KS11 both had their biggest monthly drop since 2008.
Looking ahead, investors will be watching for any updates on Iran, as well as euro zone inflation. Consumer prices are expected to have risen at a faster rate this month driven by rising energy prices.
