MORNING BID EUROPE-Markets cling on as ceasefire is tested

A look at the day ahead in European ​and global markets from Tom Westbrook Oil ​ticked higher and European futures ‌wobbled on ​Friday, while the U.S. and Iran exchanged fire in the Middle East. But with investors choosing to focus ‌on hopes for a more lasting peace deal moves were modest and, in Asia, dominated by big weekly gains in AI stocks.

A look at the day ahead in European ​and global markets from Tom Westbrook Oil ​ticked higher and European futures ‌wobbled on ​Friday, while the U.S. and Iran exchanged fire in the Middle East.

But with investors choosing to focus ‌on hopes for a more lasting peace deal moves were modest and, in Asia, dominated by big weekly gains in AI stocks. Traders were watching early results in Britain's ‌local elections, which showed heavy losses for Keir Starmer's Labour Party though sterling stayed ‌steady at $1.36 in Asia.

U.S. and Iranian forces clashed in the Gulf, and the UAE came under renewed attack. U.S. President Donald Trump later told reporters the ceasefire was still in effect and ⁠sought to play ​down the exchange, ⁠leaving oil at $101 a barrel. Toyota forecast a 20% decline in profit for the current financial year ⁠on Friday, as cost and supply uncertainties stemming from the Iran war weigh on earnings, ​and its shares fell about 1.5%.

Most markets in Asia logged small losses ⁠on Friday but were set for chunky weekly gains led by South Korea, where runaway rallies in chipmakers ⁠Samsung ​Electronics and SK Hynix had the KOSPI on course for a 13% weekly rise, its best since 2008. German trade data is due on Friday along ⁠with U.S. jobs figures, with a steady unemployment rate at 4.3% seen giving room for ⁠the Federal Reserve ⁠to leave interest rates where they are for the time being.

Key developments that could influence markets on Friday: - U.S.-Iran negotiations

- ‌German trade ‌data - U.S. non-farm payrolls