Stocks waver, euro spikes on EU rescue deal uncertainty

LONDON: Europe's stock markets wavered Monday but the euro hit a four-month dollar peak as EU leaders struggled to pin down a 750-billion-euro ($860-billion) coronavirus rescue package for the battered region.

Frankfurt equities added 0.4 percent but London lost 0.6 percent and Paris flatlined, after a mixed session earlier in Asia.

Sentiment was also dented as a spike in new COVID-19 infections forced fresh containment measures -- notably in Australia, Hong Kong and the United States -- and fuelled fears about the stuttering economic recovery.

Later Monday, bickering EU leaders will try to get their deadlocked summit on a huge coronavirus rescue package back on track after a furious row about grants for member states threatened to derail it.

The 27 were to gather for another session of talks after three days and nights of prolonged wrangling failed to agree a plan to help drag Europe out of a painful pandemic-induced recession.

'Heading in right direction'

"European equity markets are mixed as EU leaders are still divided over the terms of the 750-billion-euro rescue fund," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden.

"Traders shrugged off the fact that things appear to be heading in the right direction as the gulf between the two sides has narrowed."

Nevertheless, the euro was boosted by hopes of a deal breakthrough, zooming to $1.1468 -- which was the highest level since March 9.

"No agreement has been reached so far -- but the unusual extension of the discussions into Monday indicates a willingness by the two opposing camps to reach a consensus which, if grasped, could help create a more optimistic outlook for the euro," added ActivTrades analyst Ricardo Evangelista.

Meanwhile, as the COVID-19 pandemic shows little sign of abating, the rally that has characterised equity markets since hitting a March low is showing signs of stalling.

The spikes -- Hong Kong saw a record rise Sunday, while Florida's has been described as "out of control" -- have led leaders to unveil new measures to curb the disease's spread, including closing bars and restaurants and making masks compulsory.

Investors are keeping an eye on Washington, hoping lawmakers will press ahead with fresh stimulus measures for the world's top economy.

Key figures around 1030 GMT

   London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.6 percent at 6,252.90 points

   Frankfurt - DAX 30: UP 0.4 percent at 12,968.15

   Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 5,068.71

   EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.1 percent at 3,369.78

   Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 0.1 percent at 22,717.48 (close)

   Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.1 percent at 25,057.99 (close)

   Shanghai - Composite: UP 3.1 percent at 3,314.15 (close)

   New York - Dow: DOWN 0.2 percent at 26,671.95 (close)

   Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1462 from $1.1428 at 2100 GMT

   Dollar/yen: UP at 107.19 yen from 107.02 yen

   Pound/dollar: UP at $1.2587 from $1.2568

   Euro/pound: UP at 91.05 pence from 90.93

   West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.7 percent at $40.29 per barrel

   Brent North Sea crude: DOWN 0.6 percent at $42.87 per barrel