This is CNBC’s live blog covering European markets.
European stocks are expected to start the new trading week in positive territory, although investors will be looking to see if global market volatility continues.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 21 points higher at 8,653, Germany’s DAX up 90 points at 23,019, France’s CAC 9 points higher at 8,034 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 182 points higher at 38,819, according to data from IG.
There are no major earnings releases on Monday; on the data front, however, Italy will publish its latest inflation print.
European markets ended the week higher Friday after German lawmakers reportedly came closer to agreeing on reforming the country’s so-called debt brake rule. Media reports said Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz had won support from the Greens party to hike public borrowing to allow an increase in defense spending.
The motion, which requires a change to the German Constitution, needs backing from two-thirds of the lawmakers elected to the country’s parliament. The Bundestag is expected to vote on the debt reform on Tuesday.
Investors will be keeping a close eye on U.S. markets this week after the Dow posted its worst week going back to 2023 last week, with investors grappling with President Donald Trump’s fast-changing tariff policies, on top of growing signs of economic weakness.
The uncertainty has many wondering whether the stock market correction could turn into a bear market. U.S. stock futures fell early Monday, signaling the pessimism could continue into this week.
Asia-Pacific markets mostly climbed overnight, with investors keeping a close watch on Chinese equities after the Chinese government announced a “Special Action Plan to Boost Consumption” to revive consumption by boosting incomes.
Other measures announced on Sunday included plans to stabilize the stock and real estate market and raising the country’s birth rate.
Trump reportedly says no exemptions on steel and aluminum tariffs
U.S. President Donald Trump said he has no intention of applying exemptions on steel and aluminum tariffs, according to Reuters.
As such, reciprocal and sectoral tariffs will be imposed on April 2 alongside automotive duties, the report added, citing Trump’s comments to reporters on Air Force One.
This follows the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by the White House, which came into effect last Wednesday.
Countermeasures swiftly came through from the U.S.’ trading partners. For instance, the European Union said it would impose tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28.33 billion) worth of U.S. goods from April.
— Amala Balakrishner
CNBC Pro: A big markets week lies ahead
Wall Street is headed for a big week ahead, with investors desperate for any clarity on the macroeconomic picture that could put a bottom in for equity prices.
This week, the Federal Reserve is set to hold its latest policy meeting, while economic data will be scrutinized by investors lasering in on any signs of the consumer pulling back. Elsewhere, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will be in focus as he takes the stage at the GTC developer conference to speak on the future of AI.
CNBC Pro subscribers can read the full story here.
— Sarah Min
European markets: Here are the opening calls
European markets are expected to start the new trading week in positive territory.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 21 points higher at 8,653, Germany’s DAX up 90 points at 23,019, France’s CAC 9 points higher at 8,034 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 182 points higher at 38,819, according to data from IG.
There are no major earnings releases on Monday; on the data front, however, Italy will publish its latest inflation print.
— Holly Ellyatt
