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 shares head for record close as Wall Street shrugs off China concerns
World

Nvidia shares head for record close as Wall Street shrugs off China concerns

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, holds a motherboard as he speaks during the Viva Technology conference dedicated to innovation and startups at Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, France, June 11, 2025. Gonzalo Fuentes | Reuters Nvidia shares rose nearly 3% on Wednesday and headed for a record close for the first time since […]

Read More
BP shares jump 7% on report it is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell
World

BP shares jump 7% on report it is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell

The BP logo is displayed outside a petrol station that also offers electric vehicle recharging, on Feb. 27, 2025, in Somerset, England. Anna Barclay | Getty Images News | Getty Images BP shares jumped Wednesday on a report that the oil major is in early-stage talks to be acquired by Shell. People familiar with the […]

Read More
NATO allies agree to higher 5% defense spending target
World

NATO allies agree to higher 5% defense spending target

Mark Rutte, secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), left, and U.S. President Donald Trump, during the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images NATO allies on Wednesday agreed to more than double their defense spending target from 2% of gross domestic product […]

Read More