European stocks edge down, oil drops as midterm caution prevails

European stocks dipped on Monday (Nov 2) following Friday’s tech decline, as investors focused on Apple’s earnings and awaited a potential resolution to the Iran conflict. The US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank released their latest policy decisions, while investors remained wary of the upcoming US midterm elections on November 3.

Eurozone government bonds experienced a slight decline, and investor confidence remained tenuous due to concerns over France’s fiscal situation and ongoing unrest. The MSCI’s global stocks index remained relatively stable, while Europe’s Stoxx 600 fell by 0.1%, with tech stocks climbing by 0.3%. Nasdaq futures rose by 0.73%, and S&P 500 futures increased by 0.42%.

The S&P 500 index decreased by 1.82% on Friday, and the Nasdaq dropped by 2.86%. Brent crude futures declined by 4.5% to approximately US$108 following Iranian negotiators' exit from discussions with Qatari mediators and a potential draft proposal being circulated. Market participants are wary of a Democratic victory, which could lead to higher corporate taxes and stricter AI regulations.

Earnings reports are a key focus, with Apple facing scrutiny over its holiday-quarter outlook, AI-related remarks, and rising memory chip costs. European equities are expected to struggle in the aftermath of the US vote, particularly if a Democratic majority is achieved.