European Equity pre-Market Summary - 18th August 2026: Futures point to a softer start, continuing the tone from Monday and overnight
European markets face a softer start as regulatory blocks on M&A, earnings-driven margin pressures at Coloplast, and political delays in UK energy projects dampen investor sentiment.
News detail
EARNINGS Coloplast (COLOB DC): Q3 Revenue beat, EBIT margin lower Y/Y, due to a negative FX and Kerecis impact. FY guidance reiterated. ENERGY North Sea Oil and Gas: The UK Government is reportedly expected to delay its decision on two projects due to concerns about the "optics" of making the announcement after successive heatwaves, the Times reports. M&A Henkel (HEN3 GY): US FTC says the request for a permanent injunction to block the Co's proposed USD 725mln acquisition of Liquid Nails from American Industrial Partners has been granted. BROKER MOVES Kingspan (KGP LN) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Jefferies Whitbread (WTB LN) upgraded to Market Perform from Underperform at Societe Generale Hermes (RMS FP) downgraded to Sector Perform from Outperform at RBC, stating that the Co. can no longer expect to book growth in revenue and earnings so far ahead of its rivals.
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