European markets set to open higher despite US-Iran negotiations stalling

Published on 27/04/2026 - 8:27 GMT+2

Germany's Dax, France's CAC 40, Italy's FTSE MIB and the UK's FTSE 100 are expected to open in the green, according to IG data, despite peace talks between the US and Iran coming to a halt.

The White House called off plans to send envoys to Pakistan for more negotiations and US President Donald Trump cited a lack of progress over the weekend.

“If they want, we can talk but we’re not sending people,” Trump told Fox News on Sunday. He said earlier on social media: “All they have to do is call!!!”

In addition to monitoring progress in the Middle East, investors will also be keeping across central bank decisions this week, including from the ECB and Federal Reserve.

Asia-Pacific markets mixed

Meanwhile, markets were mixed overnight in the Asia-Pacific region. Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index hit a fresh record, surging 1.4% to 60,564.18. The Kospi in South Korea jumped 2.1% to 6,617.94. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index edged 0.1% lower to 25,951.86 and the Shanghai Composite index was up 0.2% at 4,089.04. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.3% to 8,759.40.

Taiwan's Taiex rallied 2.6%, helped by a revival of buying of tech shares driven by the boom in artificial intelligence.

Oil prices rise again

In other dealings early Monday, the price for a barrel of Brent crude to be delivered in July, rose $1.44 to $100.57, while US benchmark crude oil added $1.28 to $95.65.

The dollar fell to 159.34 Japanese yen from 159.59. The euro climbed to $1.1723 from $1.1701.