European equities open flat as investor caution persists

Futures point to a mixed start for major indices, with the Ibex 35 expected to open largely unchanged. The muted tone follows Friday's losses and contrasts with earlier optimism over U.S.-Iran talks.

By Handelsavisen Newsroom · Automated 2026-07-24 06:39 UTC · 1 min read

European equity markets are set for a flat and mixed opening on Friday, with futures indicating minimal movement across major indices.

The Ibex 35 is expected to open with changes of around 0.2%, reflecting a cautious stance among investors following a negative close on Thursday.

While earlier reports indicated that the Paris CAC 40 and Germany's DAX were poised for gains of nearly 1%, the current futures data points to a more restrained session.

This subdued start marks a shift from the positive sentiment that had characterized earlier in the week, driven by hopes for progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations and softer U.S. labor data.

The lack of directional conviction in pre-market trading suggests that traders are waiting for clearer signals before committing to new positions.

While earlier reports indicated that the Paris CAC 40 and Germany's DAX were poised for gains of nearly 1%, the current futures data points to a more restrained session.

The divergence highlights the fragile nature of the recent rally, which has been sensitive to geopolitical developments and macroeconomic data.