We don’t support this browser anymore.
This means our website may not look and work as you would expect. Read more about browsers and how to update them here.

Europe open: Stoxx up as traders eye global rate calls; Qinetiq slumps

Mon 17 March 2025 08:04 | A A A

No recommendation

No news or research item is a personal recommendation to deal. Hargreaves Lansdown may not share ShareCast's (powered by Digital Look) views.

Market latest

FTSE 100 | FTSE 250 | Paris CAC 40 | Dow Jones | NASDAQ

8705.23 | Positive 24.94 (0.29%)
Graph

Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

(Sharecast News) - European shares opened higher on Monday as investors eyed interest rate decisions from around the globe this week in the first assessment of the impact of trade policies from the new US administration.

The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was up 0.21% at 547.90 in early deals. Germany's DAX outperformed with a 0.34 rise, while France's CAC 40 edged ahead by 0.06%.

Traders will be eyeing a raft of decisions from central bankers across the globe this week. With erratic tariff policy making coming from the US administration of President Donald Trump in recent weeks sparking fears of a major trade war, investors have become jittery about then prospect of a "Trumpcession" in the world's biggest economy.

Recessionary fears led to a sell-off on Wall Street last week, spilling over into European markets. US. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in an interview broadcast on Sunday said there were "no guarantees" the US would not tip into recession.

"Rarely is one man dominant for financial markets and for central banks, however, Donald Trump's new economic policy means that he is centre stage as we wait to hear from a multitude of central bankers this week," said XTB research director Kathleen Brooks.

Policy announcements are expected from the US, UK, Japan, Switzerland and Sweden, South Africa, Brazil, Russia and China.

"The vast majority of central banks are expected to remain on hold. This week will be the first time that the world's most important central bankers will collectively assess how President Trump's trade policies will impact the global economy," Brooks added.

"We had a preview last week from ECB President Christine Lagarde, who said that there was a lot of uncertainty about the economic outlook, and that maintaining price stability in this 'new era' created by the US will be very hard for central bankers like herself."

Trump's foreign policy will also be in the spotlight this week. He is scheduled to hold a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday over a ceasefire in the war against Ukraine, while he also vowed to keep attacking Yemen's rebel Houthi militia until the Iran-backed group stops attacking commercial shipping in the Red Sea.

The US assaults have pushed up the price of oil, with Brent crude up 0.64%, to $71.03 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also up 0.64% to $67.61 a barrel.

In equity news, shares in UK defence contractor Qinetiq fell 13% as the company said it would take a 140m impairment charge as tough market conditions persisted into the fourth quarter hitting work in its UK intelligence and US sectors, resulting in further delays to a number of contract awards.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com

    Daily market update emails

    • FTSE 100 riser and faller updates
    • Breaking market news, plus the latest share research, tips and broker comments

    Register now for free market updates

    The value of investments can go down in value as well as up, so you could get back less than you invest. It is therefore important that you understand the risks and commitments. This website is not personal advice based on your circumstances. So you can make informed decisions for yourself we aim to provide you with the best information, best service and best prices. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment please contact us for advice.


    More stock market reports from ShareCast

    Latest economy and stock market articles