Live Markets: Half-time in Europe: eking out gains

Tecan AG

11/08/2026 13:01

Adds blog
STOXX 600 up 0.13% 
US-Iran stalemate dents risk appetite
Energy lead gainers
Nasdaq futures up 0.3%
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HALF-TIME IN EUROPE: EKING OUT GAINS
It's just over half-way through the European trading day, and markets are trying to make at least small gains.
There were seemingly some signs of progress in talks between Oman and Iran on the future of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz - they're now in advanced stages, according to Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson.
Oil prices have pared back some earlier gains off the back of the update. Brent crude futures LCOc1 were last near flat on the day at $87.63 a barrel. 
The STOXX 600 .STOXX is now up 0.12%, with most major regional indices also in the green - but barely. The FTSE .FTSE and CAC .FCHI are both a touch higher, and the DAX .GDAXI is up 0.1%.
"Moves remain tentative as investors assess latest developments as perhaps just the latest barrage of noise from the conflict," said Neil Wilson, Saxo UK Investor Strategist.
Looking at sectors, oil and gas stocks .SXEP are leading gains, up 1.3%, and food and beverage stocks .SX3P are the biggest sectoral decliner, down 1.1%.
Single stock moves are relatively muted, broadly speaking. One mover of note is laboratory instruments maker Tecan TECN.S, shares in which were last down 8.3% after H1 results. Analysts pointed to profit-taking following a strong rally in the stock this year.
(Sophie Kiderlin)
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EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:
THREE BIG THEMES, GOLDMAN SAYS EACH POSITIVE FOR RISK ASSETS FOR NOW CLICK HERE
IN THE AI ERA, DATA, NOT SCALE, MAY DRIVE M&A CLICK HERE
STOXX FLATLINES AS ENERGY STOCKS RISE, TRAVEL DOWN CLICK HERE
BEFORE THE BELL: EUROPE SET FOR SUBDUED START AS OIL TOPS $89 CLICK HERE
MIDDLE EAST DEADLOCK CLICK HERE