European Stocks Set for Higher Open

European stocks traded higher on Tuesday, with both the STOXX 50 and STOXX 600 gaining 0.6% after starting June with losses in the previous session. Investors took advantage of the recent pullback while assessing the sustainability of the global technology and AI-driven market rally. Market participants also remained focused on developments in the Middle East, where negotiations continue to fluctuate and the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. Still, a slight pullback in oil prices also helped to boost investors' mood. Meanwhile, attention is turning to the Eurozone’s preliminary inflation data, with headline inflation expected to rise to 3.2% and core inflation projected to accelerate to 2.4%. Tech shares remained among the top performers, including ASML Holding (1%), SAP (1.6%) and Infineon Technologies (5.3%). Prosus soared about 10% to top the STOXX 600 after a report showing Tencent, a company in which it holds a significant stake, is testing a new AI agent.

European equity markets were poised for a stronger open on Tuesday, recovering from the previous session’s losses as investors stepped in to buy the dip while evaluating the durability of the global technology and AI-driven rally. Traders also continued to monitor developments in the Middle East after Tehran reportedly suspended talks with Washington in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, although President Donald Trump said negotiations remain ongoing. In Europe, investors will focus on the Eurozone’s flash inflation report for May to assess how the Middle East conflict is influencing regional price pressures. Meanwhile, the corporate earnings calendar remains light, with no major earnings releases scheduled across Europe on Tuesday. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures rose 0.6%, while Stoxx 600 futures gained 0.5%.

European stocks closed firmly lower on Monday, pulling back from robust morning trading after setbacks to an agreement between the US and Iran worsened the outlook for global energy supply. The Euro STOXX 50 fell 0.5% to 6,023 and the STOXX Europe 600 lost 0.9% to 620. Official Iranian media stated that Tehran would halt talks with the US and extend the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz due to Israel's attacks on Lebanon. Energy prices surged and sovereign yields in the Eurozone rose sharply, denting growth prospects should an agreement that restores tanker flows not be reached soon. Intesa Sanpaolo and Allianz dropped 1.8% due to the rise in yields, while Airbus, Safran, and Siemens energy lost on higher energy costs. In turn, SAP surged 8%, tracking US software giants after Nvidia announced it will produce chips for personal computers.