Europe before the bell: Futures in the red, semis set for boost
SMH•Most major European stock markets looked set to open slightly lower on Thursday, with Euro STOXX 50 futures down 0.4% and DAX, CAC and FTSE futures down 0.5% to 0.8%. European semiconductor shares were expected to open up to 3% after Micron forecast results above estimates.
1. European futures fall
Most major European stock markets looked set to open slightly lower on Thursday as elevated oil and bond prices weighed on sentiment. Euro STOXX 50 futures were down 0.4%, while DAX, CAC and FTSE futures fell between 0.5% and 0.8%.
2. Semiconductors may rise
Dutch AEX futures performed better, with traders expecting European semiconductor shares to open up to 3% after Micron's forecast exceeded estimates. Micron said customers had increased commitments under long-term supply agreements, signalling continued demand for AI memory chips.
3. Asian tech shares climb
The tech-heavy Kospi rose 1.8% and Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 3.4%. Nasdaq futures were up 1.4%.
