EU futures drop after sell-off, eyes on tariff and U.S. job data
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European equity futures signaled a subdued open on Friday, retreating slightly after Thursday’s sharp declines triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff announcement. Euro Stoxx 50 futures fell around 0.3%, following the index’s 3.6% plunge in the prior session, while FTSE, CAC, and DAX futures each posted more modest losses of 0.1%–0.3%.
The market’s primary focus remains on the global response to the new U.S. trade measures, which aim to impose broad levies on multiple economic partners. Although the immediate shock has somewhat moderated, investors are closely monitoring any retaliatory signals from major economies such as the European Union and China.
Across the Atlantic, Wall Street futures also extended recent weakness, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both down 0.2% in premarket trade. On Thursday, all major U.S. indexes recorded their steepest one-day declines since 2020, further underscoring the fragility of near-term risk appetite.
Looking ahead, markets will also be parsing the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report for March. Consensus estimates call for a gain of 135,000 jobs and an unchanged unemployment rate at 4.1%. A surprise—either positive or negative—could influence the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, and by extension, global equity sentiment.
In corporate developments, BP may draw attention after announcing that Chair Helge Lund will step down, likely in 2026. The timing and context of Lund’s departure may prompt further discussion regarding the energy giant’s strategic direction and governance.
Overall, Friday’s session may remain cautious, as investors weigh both the ongoing tariff fallout and critical macro data releases. Traders should be prepared for potential volatility, especially if unexpected policy statements or labor-market surprises shift sentiment once again.
The market’s primary focus remains on the global response to the new U.S. trade measures, which aim to impose broad levies on multiple economic partners. Although the immediate shock has somewhat moderated, investors are closely monitoring any retaliatory signals from major economies such as the European Union and China.
Across the Atlantic, Wall Street futures also extended recent weakness, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both down 0.2% in premarket trade. On Thursday, all major U.S. indexes recorded their steepest one-day declines since 2020, further underscoring the fragility of near-term risk appetite.
Looking ahead, markets will also be parsing the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report for March. Consensus estimates call for a gain of 135,000 jobs and an unchanged unemployment rate at 4.1%. A surprise—either positive or negative—could influence the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, and by extension, global equity sentiment.
In corporate developments, BP may draw attention after announcing that Chair Helge Lund will step down, likely in 2026. The timing and context of Lund’s departure may prompt further discussion regarding the energy giant’s strategic direction and governance.
Overall, Friday’s session may remain cautious, as investors weigh both the ongoing tariff fallout and critical macro data releases. Traders should be prepared for potential volatility, especially if unexpected policy statements or labor-market surprises shift sentiment once again.