LIVE MARKETS-Stocks propped up by full vaccine approval

* European stock futures up 0.2%

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STOCKS PROPPED UP BY FULL VACCINE APPROVAL (0619 GMT)

European stocks are poised to open slightly higher as the
full approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine boosts risk
sentiment. Investors also appear less worried about a potential
Fed tapering announcement at the end of the week.

The Food and Drug Administration's move might instil
additional confidence to get vaccinated and prompt more
governments to impose vaccine mandates, soothing fears about the
impact of the Delta variant.

Analysts meanwhile say that the economic recovery is headed
in the right direction but not enough to prompt the Fed to
announce a tapering of its monetary stimulus at the Jackson Hole
symposium.

On the corporate front, BHP Group is at risk of a
two notch downgrade that would provoke its lowest ever credit
rating after the sale of its petroleum business; Morrisons
shareholder Legal & General said it believed the true
value of the supermarket chain should be realised following the
sweetened bid from private equity group CD&R.

(Stefano Rebaudo)

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