European stocks set to soar after U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal

LONDON — European stocks are expected to open sharply higher on Wednesday after the U.S. and Iran agreed to a conditional ceasefire deal.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is seen opening 3% higher, with Germany’s DAX 5% higher, France’s CAC 40 up 4.5% and Italy’s FTSE MIB 5.3% higher, according to data from IG.

Global markets rallied and oil prices plunged overnight after U.S. President Donald Trump said late on Tuesday that he had agreed to suspend planned attacks on Iranian infrastructure for two weeks.

The move was “subject to the Islamic Republic of Iran agreeing to the COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on behalf of the country’s Supreme National Security Council that Tehran’s armed forces will “cease their defensive operations.”

Asia-Pacific markets rallied overnight while U.S. stock futures jumped on news of the ceasefire. Oil prices also plunged below $100 a barrel upon news of the deal, which came after Trump had threatened to order the destruction of Iran’s “whole civilization” unless it reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

However, a number Middle Eastern countries continue to report incoming missiles and drones from Iran on Wednesday, triggering air defenses across the Gulf.

Earnings on Wednesday come from Shell, and data releases include German factory orders and EU retail sales figures.

— CNBC’s Kevin Breuninger contributed to this market report.