European markets set to open lower as U.S. trade talks and earnings keep spotlight

Join CNBC for the latest news on what’s moving European markets.

Here’s a snapshot of the outlook for European markets today, along with what’s putting them in focus:

📉 European Markets Set to Open Lower

European stocks are expected to open slightly down, as investors digest:

• Ongoing U.S.–EU trade negotiations closely tied to a key August 1 tariff deadline
  RTTNewsReutersMorningstar

• Corporate earnings reports, particularly from U.S. tech giants, shaping global sentiment
  ReutersInvestopediaThe Wall Street Journal

🧭 What’s Driving the Sentiment?

1. Trade Talks & Tariff Threats

• Hopes for a 15% baseline tariff deal between the U.S. and EU are encouraging—but uncertainty remains high
  ReutersThe Wall Street JournalAP News

• EU lawmakers have prepared €93 billion worth of countertariffs set to start August 7 if negotiations collapse
  RTTNewsReuters

2. Mixed Corporate Earnings

• European markets are cautious following contrasting earnings—some strong showings from tech and chip firms, but softness elsewhere
  ReutersInvestopedia

• In particular, Tesla flagged caution despite strong Alphabet AI‑driven results
  ReutersInvestopediaYahoo Finance

3. ECB Holds Rates Amid Trade Uncertainty

• The European Central Bank paused rate cuts at 2%, citing unresolved U.S.–EU trade risks
  ft.comAP News

📊 Summary Table

🔭 What to Watch Next

• August 1: U.S.–EU trade negotiation deadline—will tariffs go through?

• ECB and Fed policies: Any signal on rate cuts or hikes amid growth uncertainties

• Upcoming earnings: Results from Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft may drive sentiment

• Economic indicators: Eurozone new order data, U.S. jobs numbers, manufacturing trends