CRUDE BENCHMARKS FIRMER AMIDST ONGOING TENSIONS IN THE MIDDLE EAST ; EUR DIGESTS POOR PMI METRICS - NEWSQUAWK US MARKET OPEN

What happened: Crude benchmarks firmed on ongoing Middle East tensions after the Houthis launched another missile toward Saudi interests, while European bourses fell on weak French PMI data and poor earnings from Kering and Volvo Cars. Key numbers: Euro Stoxx 50 -0.7%, Stoxx 600 -0.5%, SOX -6.7%; Kering -11.8%, L'Oreal +4.5%, Volvo Car -26.7%; Why it matters: Energy led European sectors on firmer oil prices, while the USD firmed against most G10 peers as the EUR digested poor French PMI metrics. US equity futures were mixed ahead of the FOMC decision, where rates are expected to be held. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

Crude benchmarks firmer on Middle East tensions while EUR digests poor PMI metrics.

Crude benchmarks firmer on Middle East tensions while EUR digests poor PMI metrics. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.