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DELTA CONCERNS SPOOK INVESTORS, BANK RESULTS IN FOCUS (0540
GMT)
After touching fresh record highs on Monday, European shares
are seen starting the day in negative territory as renewed
concerns for the Delta coronavirus variant spread spook global
investors once again.
In corporate news, bank results could liven up the mood
across Europe.
In China, the spread of the virus from the mainland's coast
to its inland cities put authorities on high alert, adding
concern about increasing Chinese regulation in sectors ranging
from technology, fintech and education.
French bank Societe Generale raised its FY
forecast as the lender swung back to a profit in the second
quarter on lower pandemic-related charges for bad loans and a
rebound in its French retail banking business.
Standard Chartered posted a higher than expected
57% jump in first-half pretax profit and announced a $250
million share buyback, with the bank also resuming dividend
payments by unveiling a 3 cents per share interim payout.
On the deal front, French drugmaker Sanofi said it
made a $3.2 billion offer to buy U.S. biotech company Translate
Bio.
