Live Markets: Before the bell: Europe eyes soft open as Fed jitters outweigh US futures bounce

Siemens Energy AG

18/06/2026 07:37

Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of markets brought to you by Reuters reporters. You can share your thoughts with us at markets.research@thomsonreuters.com

BEFORE THE BELL: EUROPE EYES SOFT OPEN AS FED JITTERS OUTWEIGH U.S. FUTURES BOUNCE
European shares are set for a softer open on Thursday, with Euro STOXX 50, DAX and FTSE futures down 0.3% to 0.6%, though trading could be volatile with U.S. futures rebounding after Wednesday's selloff.
Nasdaq futures jump 1.1% and S&P 500 futures rise 0.7%, clawing back losses after Wall Street dropped more than 1% after hawkish messaging from new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh fuelled bets the central bank's next move would be a rate hike.
A tentative U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal sent Asian benchmarks to record highs and oil prices extend declines, easing inflation concerns.
Later in the day, the Bank of England is expected to leave rates on hold but dissent among policymakers will be closely watched for any hawkish tilt.
Dutch semiconductor equipment maker BE Semi BESI.AS raised its long-term revenue and operating margin targets, citing stronger demand for data centre and photonics applications.
Eyes are also on Volkswagen VOWG.DE after reports its Osnabrueck plant plans face complications tied to a key shareholder.
UniCredit CRDI.MI is in focus after a report it has approached Delfin about boosting its Generali GASI.MI stake, potentially reshaping the Italian financial landscape.  

(Danilo Masoni)
*****


EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:
WARSH DEBUT RAISES RATE-HIKE STAKES CLICK HERE