15.04.202606:12:44UTC+00European Stocks Poised for Softer Open

European equity markets were poised to open marginally lower on Wednesday, as the recent rally driven by optimism over US–Iran diplomacy paused. Washington and Tehran are reportedly working to arrange a second round of talks before the current two-week ceasefire expires, bolstering hopes for a resolution to the conflict and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Expectations of a potential agreement have pushed oil prices lower, easing inflationary pressures and mitigating some of the growth concerns that have recently weighed on global equities. Investors will also look to French inflation data and Eurozone industrial production figures for additional guidance. On the corporate side, Dutch chipmaker ASML raised its 2026 sales outlook after beating first-quarter revenue and profit forecasts, supported by robust AI-related demand. Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both down about 0.3% in premarket trading.