European markets head for higher open; Ukraine war remains in focus

European markets head for higher open; Ukraine war remains in focus


LONDON — European stocks are expected to open higher Thursday as investors keep an eye on developments in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The U.K.’s FTSE index is seen opening 16 points higher at 7,636, Germany’s DAX 45 points higher at 14,392, France’s CAC 40 up 14 points at 6,638 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 12 points higher at 24,545, according to data from IG.

The war in Ukraine remains at the forefront of market participants’ minds in Europe, with the second phase of the conflict, focusing on the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, fully underway now.

Russia has set a new ultimatum for surrender in the heavily destroyed city of Mariupol, where Ukrainian forces and reportedly hundreds of civilians are holed up in the Azovstal steel plant. Meanwhile, officials in Ukraine continue to call for more weapons support and faster delivery as Russia intensifies its bombardment of the Donbas.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy if they would take meetings with him in their respective capitals.

Stock picks and investing trends from CNBC Pro:

U.S. stock futures rose in overnight trading as investors digested more quarterly reports from the likes of Tesla and United Airlines. Weekly jobless claims are also slated for release on Thursday.

In Asia-Pacific markets overnight, shares were mixed as investors continue to watch China’s Covid-19 situation along with moves in the Japanese yen.

Investors are watching for signs of policy support from Chinese authorities as the mainland continues to grapple with its most severe Covid wave since the initial outbreak in 2020. Its strict zero-Covid policy has raised questions about China’s economic outlook.

Enjoyed this article?
For exclusive stock picks, investment ideas and CNBC global livestream
Sign up for CNBC Pro
Start your 
free trial now

— CNBC.com staff contributed to this market report.



Source

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang starts a key trip to South Korea — here’s what he might be up to
World

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang starts a key trip to South Korea — here’s what he might be up to

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers remarks next to U.S. President Donald Trump at an ‘Investing in America’ event in Washington, D.C., on April 30, 2025. Leah Millis | Reuters Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is headed to South Korea, one of the company’s most important markets, ahead of meeting there between U.S. President Donald Trump and […]

Read More
UBS CEO says strategic investments are paying off as third-quarter profit surges 74%
World

UBS CEO says strategic investments are paying off as third-quarter profit surges 74%

The UBS Group AG headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Swiss banking giant UBS on Wednesday reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter net profit, driven by solid investment banking performance and the release of legal provisions. Net profit attributable to shareholders came in at $2.5 billion for the three-month […]

Read More
CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter: UK backs innovation hub Cambridge, even as rapid expansion tests the city’s limit
World

CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter: UK backs innovation hub Cambridge, even as rapid expansion tests the city’s limit

This report is from this week’s CNBC’s UK Exchange newsletter. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. The dispatch The U.K. economy, along with many continental European peers, faces well-established challenges. These include a high debt-to-GDP ratio, a high deficit-to-GDP ratio and an ageing population making increasing demands on the state, just as growth is […]

Read More