European Stocks Head for Higher Open
2026-03-16 06:29
By
Jam Kaimo Samonte
1 min. read
European equity markets were set for a higher open on Monday as investors tracked developments in the Middle East and navigated volatile oil prices.
Tensions escalated after the US attacked military targets on Iran’s main oil-export hub of Kharg Island over the weekend, while traders evaluated reports that the US will soon announce a coalition of countries to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign ministers from the European Union are scheduled to meet later today to discuss extending the bloc’s naval mission Operation Aspides to the strait, even as German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed skepticism about the operation and Germany’s participation.
Meanwhile, there are no major economic or corporate earnings releases in Europe today.
In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were up 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively.