European markets head for mixed open with all eyes on French confidence vote

European markets head for mixed open with all eyes on French confidence vote


South Korean stocks nosedive

Members and supporters of South Korean opposition parties gather in front of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Bloomberg | Getty Images

South Korea’s financial markets took a downward turn on Wednesday, as an outbreak of political turmoil left investors uncertain about the country’s prospects.

A coalition of South Korean lawmakers plans to begin impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeoul, after he unexpectedly imposed martial law — a decision that triggered protests in Seoul, before being reversed in the country’s parliament within a matter of hours.  

The South Korean Kospi index shed 1.4% by 6:42 a.m. London time, while the Kosdaq was trading around 2% lower. The Korean won erased some of its losses from Tuesday, with the U.S. dollar standing at around 1,410.31 won during early trades.  

Read the full story.

Chloe Taylor

CNBC Pro: ‘We really like the U.S.’ Julius Baer portfolio manager says. Here’s where she sees opportunity

At a time when investors are mixed on the U.S. market, one portfolio manager remains optimistic and sees reason to stay invested over the longer-term.

“We really like the U.S. Now that the election result is clear and behind us, we can reasonably assume a higher growth rate in the U.S., and that’s probably going to lead to an end of year rally,” Aneka Beneby, portfolio manager at Julius Baer International said, revealing segments she sees opportunities in.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Amala Balakrishner

CNBC Pro: How are investors trading France’s political chaos?

The French government is on the brink of collapse this week and investors are gearing up for a volatile week of trading, with some eyeing opportunities amid the chaos.

Investors have shared how they’re trading French bonds and laid out what could happen if the government falls, and other scenarios.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Ganesh Rao

European markets: Here are the opening calls

European markets are expected to open higher Tuesday.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 18 points higher at 8,322, Germany’s DAX up 15 points at 19,922, France’s CAC up 29 points at 7,245 and Italy’s FTSE MIB up 43 points at 33,601, according to data from IG.

Data releases Tuesday include U.K. retail sales and Spanish unemployment figures.

— Holly Ellyatt



Source

Oil prices fall in choppy trade as Trump plans to ‘free’ ships stranded due to Mideast conflict
World

Oil prices fall in choppy trade as Trump plans to ‘free’ ships stranded due to Mideast conflict

The Ateela 2 Oil Tanker boat navigates the sea on April 28, 2026 on Qeshm Island, Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Asghar Besharati | Getty Images Oil prices fell in choppy trade Monday, as market participants assess U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to “free” ships that have been trapped due to the closure of […]

Read More
Asia markets set to open mixed after Trump unveils plan to free ships in Hormuz
World

Asia markets set to open mixed after Trump unveils plan to free ships in Hormuz

A screen displays the Nikkei 225 Stock Average figure on the trading floor at the Nomura Securities Co. headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 11, 2024.  Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were set to open mixed Monday as investors assess President Donald Trump’s plan to “free” ships stranded in the Strait of […]

Read More
Stock futures tick higher as investors monitor latest in U.S.-Iran developments: Live updates
World

Stock futures tick higher as investors monitor latest in U.S.-Iran developments: Live updates

Traders works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at the opening bell in New York on April 30, 2026. Timothy A. Clary | AFP | Getty Images U.S. stock futures inched higher Sunday night as investors closely eyed the latest developments in the Middle East. S&P 500 futures added 0.1%, and […]

Read More