EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: DOWNBEAT FUTURES
European stock index futures are pointing to a muted start to the new quarter, as talks between the U.S. and Iran encountered new hurdles that kept the prospect for lasting peace between the two countries murky.
Iran said on Tuesday it would not meet with top U.S. envoys who had flown to the region following an outbreak of hostilities as the two sides still appear far apart on a framework that would fully open the Strait of Hormuz.
Euro STOXX 50 futures EUREX:FESX1! are down 0.16%, and FTSE futures ICEEUR:Z1! are 0.3% lower. Meanwhile, futures on the DAX BMFBOVESPA:DAX1! and CAC (FCEc1) are little changed.
Markets will be eyeing comments from central bank policymakers, including Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, at the ECB's Sintra conference.
In companies news, Primark owner Associated British Foods ABF.L said on Wednesday that it still expects annual profit to be below the prior year's outcome as it reported flat third quarter revenue.