European stocks remain steady early on, Dow futures up by 400 points

SighingCashier · 2026-03-31T12:30:06+00:00

Investors' expectations for the end of the war led to a slight rise in European stock markets, with indices in the UK, Germany, and France all increasing. U.S. government officials revealed that Trump may end military actions against Iran, which could impact the situation in the Strait of Hormuz in the future. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized the need to remain cautious and maintain the goal of price stability. Oil prices slightly increased, with New York crude reaching $103.19.

SighingCashier

2026-03-31 12:30:06

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Investors are hopeful that the war is nearing an end, and European stock markets are steady in early trading.

As of 3:52pm Hong Kong time, the FTSE 100 in the UK was at 10,172 points, up 44 points, or 0.44%; Germany’s DAX index was at 22,591 points, up 28 points, or 0.13%; France’s CAC 40 index was at 7,789 points, up 16 points, or 0.22%; and Italy’s FTSE MIB index was at 43,847 points, up 24 points, or 0.06%.

Dow Jones futures were temporarily at 45,896 points, up 431 points.

The Wall Street Journal, citing reports of U.S. government officials, said that U.S. President Trump has told his aides that even if the Strait of Hormuz is still basically closed, he is willing to end the military actions against Iran.

This move is likely to allow Tehran to continue firmly controlling the waterway, and the complex operation to reopen the strait will be left for later. Some financial analysts predict that if the Iran war causes ongoing disruption to the waterway, oil prices could surge to as high as $200 per barrel.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank faces risks on both its dual mandates, including maintaining price stability and achieving maximum employment; at present, the Fed’s monetary policy is appropriate for maintaining a wait-and-see stance, stressing that the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will achieve the 2% inflation target.

With oil prices rising, New York crude oil futures are currently at $103.19 per barrel, up $0.31, or 0.3%; London Brent crude was at $107.24 per barrel, up $0.15, or 0.14%.

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