Live Markets: Europe before the bell: No war, no peace

Novartis AG

28/04/2026 07:32

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EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: NO WAR, NO PEACE

    European stock futures are again hovering close to unchanged before the open on Tuesday, with no major developments regarding the Middle East war.

A U.S. official said President Trump was unhappy with Iran's latest proposal to resolve the war, which could dampen hopes for a quick resolution to the two-month conflict. However, for now, the ceasefire is holding firm.

"We are currently in a 'No war, No peace' situation," says Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar.

European equity investors are keeping their powder dry. Euro STOXX 50 futures STXEc1 are up less than 0.1%, while futures on the DAX FDXc1, CAC FCEc1 and FTSE FFIc1 are all close to unchanged.

Overnight, the Bank of Japan kept its interest rate steady, in line with expectations, although three of its nine-member rate-setting committee proposed raising borrowing costs. Japan's Nikkei .N225 is off over 1%.

Novartis NOVN.S shares could be in focus at the open after it reported first-quarter core operating profit below market expectations.

(Samuel Indyk)

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EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

BOJ'S HAWKISH HOLD CLICK HERE

How interest rates have changed among G10 central banks https://www.reuters.com/graphics/AUTOMATED-20260428/G10-INTEREST-RATES-SINCE-MARCH-2024/akveyjdxovr/chart.png