A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from

Gregor Stuart Hunter

Markets are in risk-off mode again as traders grapple with

conflicting headlines: renewed fighting between the U.S. and

Iran on one hand, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on the

other. But this time around, there's little sign of a relief

rally.

Brent crude futures were just 0.7% lower at $97.12 a

barrel after Lebanon and Israel agreed to implement a ceasefire,

which is contingent on a complete cessation of fire from the

Iran-aligned Hezbollah militia and the evacuation of all its

operatives from the South Litani sector. The two sides had

agreed last month to a ceasefire, but hostilities had continued.

Meanwhile, the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives

approved a war powers resolution to block President Donald Trump

from continuing the conflict against Iran. The vote is largely

symbolic and will also have to pass the Senate to become

effective, then garner a two-thirds majority in both chambers to

override an almost certain Trump veto.

But Trump has told aides privately that he would consider

ending the ceasefire with Iran if Tehran kills American troops,

the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing U.S.

officials.

S&P 500 e-mini futures are down 0.5%, on track for a

second day of declines after hostilities in the Middle East

erupted anew and talks between Tehran and Washington showed

little progress. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares

outside Japan was down 1.8%, while the Nikkei

225 slumped 2%.

In early European trades, pan-region futures were

down 0.5%, German DAX futures sank 0.4% and FTSE futures

were 0.4% lower.

Elsewhere, the yen strengthened away from the 160 level that

many traders think marks authorities' unofficial intervention

zone after flirting with that mark earlier this week.

On Thursday, the government said it expects the Bank of

Japan to coordinate its policy steps with it, following hawkish

comments from Governor Kazuo Ueda the previous day.

Some analysts think Tokyo's recent intervention in markets

looks a lot better viewed over a two-decade horizon.

Key developments that could influence markets on Thursday:

Economic events:

Germany: HCOB Construction PMI for May

France: HCOB Construction PMI for May

UK: S&P Global UK Construction PMI for May, new passenger

car registrations for May

Debt auctions:

France: 11-year, 12-year, 16-year and 31-year government

debt