Global Economy
European Stocks Kick Off the Week in the Green as Earnings and Economic Data Loom
European equity markets began Monday on a positive note, with the CAC 40, DAX and FTSE 100 all posting modest gains. The week ahead is packed with corporate earnings – notably Walmart – and key Euro‑zone industrial production data due at 10:00 GMT. Geopolitical headlines include renewed Iran‑U.S. nuclear talks and a 5.2% slide for Maurel & Prom after the firm welcomed U.S. moves to re‑open Venezuelan oil assets.
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Market Overview
European equity markets opened higher on Monday. In Paris, the CAC 40 edged up 0.09% to 8,318.91 points at 08:04 GMT. Germany’s DAX rose 0.31%, while London’s FTSE 100 gained 0.14%.
Broader European benchmarks followed suit: the EuroStoxx 50 +0.29%, the FTSEurofirst 300 +0.26% and the Stoxx 600 +0.24%.
What to Watch This Week
- Earnings season continues across Europe and the United States. Walmart’s quarterly results, due later this week, are expected to signal consumer‑spending trends after a weak December for retail sales.
- Euro‑zone industrial production data will be released at 10:00 GMT on Monday, offering an early gauge of the region’s manufacturing health.
- Geopolitics: Iran has signaled a willingness to finalize a nuclear agreement with the United States, a development announced by an Iranian diplomat ahead of a second round of talks in Washington.
- Company news: French energy firm Maurel & Prom dropped 5.2% after it welcomed recent U.S. measures that allow certain companies to resume oil and gas operations in Venezuela, expressing hope for a similar authorization soon.
Other Headlines
- OPEC+ is expected to raise production from April.
- Saudi Arabia opens real‑estate projects in Mecca to foreign investors.
- JPMorgan is preparing a local‑currency index for frontier markets, with Morocco included.