Trump changes tone, European stocks remain steady in early trading

U.S. President Trump shifts tone on Iran-U.S. conflict; European stocks open steady.

As of 4:31 p.m. Hong Kong time, the FTSE 100 index in the UK is at 9,930 points, up 36 points or 0.36%; Germany’s DAX index is at 22,694 points, up 41 points or 0.18%; France’s CAC 40 index is at 7,768 points, up 42 points or 0.55%; Italy’s FTSE MIB index is at 43,310 points, up 120 points or 0.28%.

Dow futures are currently at 46,610 points, up 88 points.

Trump told Fox Business that Iran is very eager to reach an agreement, and the U.S. is also very interested in reaching a deal with Iran, which could be achieved within five days or even sooner. Trump previously suddenly announced that the attack on Iranian power plants was postponed by five days.

However, Iran’s Islamic Parliament Speaker Kalibaf immediately posted on social media denying that Tehran is negotiating with the U.S. Meanwhile, Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force Commander Moussavi said the current fighting will continue until national and ethnic goals are achieved, and that enemy concessions are the result of public support for military actions on the streets.

Oil prices are rising; New York crude futures are currently at $89.38 per barrel, up $1.28 or 1.45%; London Brent crude futures are at $101.17, up $1.23 or 1.23%.