LIVE MARKETS-Before the bell: Europe higher as oil stays below $100

By Reuters News

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BEFORE THE BELL: EUROPE HIGHER AS OIL STAYS BELOW $100

Europe was set for a positive start on Wednesday as global stocks and bonds found support from a slide in oil prices after US signals of diplomatic progress towards ending the Iran war.

Euro STOXX 50 .STOXX50E, DAX .GDAXI and FTSE .FTSE futures rose about 0.3%, tracking gains in Asia where tech advanced after the Nasdaq notched its first record since June.

Brent crude traded firmly below $100 a barrel, down 0.8% at $98.4 and on track for a sixth straight day of declines. President Donald Trump warned he could annihilate Iran if no deal is reached, but also suggested an agreement may be close.

Nasdaq and S&P 500 futures added 0.1%. ASML ASML.AS, Europe's largest tech stock, was called higher.

Elsewhere, Novo Nordisk NOVOb.CO told the Financial Times it would consider a direct New York listing. Its shares are down more than 20% this year.

Swiss bank UBS UBSG.S will be in focus as Switzerland's upper house of parliament votes on proposals for tougher capital requirements.

(Danilo Masoni)

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