European Pre-Market Summary 19th October 2026: European bourses set for a weaker open; Luxury names weigh strong Chinese data and French protests

Stories: Antofagasta (ANTO LN): Workers at the Co.'s Centinela copper mine have voted to accept a new wage offer, ending the strike. GSK (GSK LN), +0.7%: GSK said risvutatug rezetecan showed positive anti-tumour activity and manageable safety in patients with relapsed extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. French Protests: Recent French protests have seen a surge in looting across several luxury stores. Names includes: LVMH (MC FP), Hermes (CFR FP), Hugo Boss (BOSS GY), Dior and Celine. For banks, French yields have been rising today (the OAT-Bund spread remains elevated at 139bps). Novartis (NOVN SW): Co. has terminated its mid-stage trial of Fabhalta in lupus nephritis due to strategic considerations, according to a federal clinical trials database. M&A: BMPS (BMPS IM), Intesa Sanpaolo (ISP IM): Goldstone Capital, a shareholder in BMPS, says it supports Intesa's takeover bid, saying the offer “is in the best interests of the shareholders as a whole and preferable to any proposed alternatives over the long term.” EQT (EQT SS): EQT Infrastructure VI agreed to acquire 100% of Cleanaway Waste Management for AUD 3.095/shr in cash. Earnings: DHL (DHL GY): Reported Q3 results, where Revenue topped expectations, whilst EBIT grew from the prior. The Co. also raised FY26 guidance.