Live Markets: Europe before the bell: futures soft

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17/04/2026 07:46

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EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: FUTURES SOFT

European equity futures are a touch weaker on Friday, with investors dialling back risk ahead of a weekend that could include peace talks between the U.S. and Iran.

Euro STOXX 50 futures STXEc1 are down about 0.2%, with the index trading relatively flat this week.

U.S. futures EScv1  are little changed on Friday but the S&P 500 .SPX has rallied sharply this week and reclaimed its pre-war all-time high. The Nasdaq has advanced for 12 straight days, its longest streak since 2009.

Trump repeated his belief that the Iran war should end soon, adding that a ceasefire extension was possible before its expiry on April 22. Talks may or may not happen this weekend.

Away from the war, Ericsson ERICb.ST reported first-quarter profit that missed expectations, while Delivery Hero DHER.DE could be in focus after Uber  UBER.N raised its stake in the company.

(Samuel Indyk)

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EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

MARKETS CATCH THEIR BREATH AS WEEKEND DIPLOMACY BECKONS CLICK HERE

How US markets have performed this year https://www.reuters.com/graphics/AUTOMATED-20260416/US-INDEX-COMPARISON-YTD/zjpqmodblpx/chart.png