French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu appears set to survive a no-confidence vote, strengthening President Emmanuel Macron’s fragile governing coalition.
In corporate news, Pernod Ricard SA fell after missing earnings estimates, hurt by weaker sales in China and a slowdown in U.S. inventory restocking. In contrast, Nestlé SA surged as much as 8.2% after reporting better-than-expected sales growth and unveiling a sweeping plan to cut 16,000 jobs under its new chief executive.
In geopolitics, India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs indirectly dismissed Donald Trump’s claim that the country would halt Russian oil imports, reaffirming that India’s energy policy prioritizes domestic consumers.
Across the Pacific, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested Washington could seek a longer trade truce with China if Beijing eases its rare earth export curbs, a sign that China may hold leverage in ongoing talks.
Meanwhile, gold extended its record-breaking rally, rising another 1% to $4,245 an ounce, as investors continue to seek safety amid persistent global uncertainty.
European equities were slightly higher in early trading, while U.S. futures hovered in positive territory as investors awaited new signals on the U.S.-China trade front.