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European markets set for lackluster open as traders focus on U.S. Election Day

Combination with Former President and Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump (L), and Vice President and Democratic Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris. 
AP

This is CNBC's live blog covering European markets.

European stocks are heading for a lackluster start to the trading day as global markets gear up for the U.S. presidential election Tuesday, with the vote too close to call between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris.

The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 15 points lower at 8,177, Germany's DAX down 12 points at 19,149, France's CAC down 1 point at 7,374 and Italy's FTSE MIB up 73 points at 34,358, according to data from IG.

Earnings are set to come from Saudi Aramco, Adecco, Schaeffler, Deutsche Post DHL, Zalando, Hugo Boss, Bouygues, Ørsted, Vestas Wind and Fresenius Medical Care.

Market attention will be focused on which party dominates Congress as a result of the U.S. election, given that a sweep by Republicans or Democrats could contribute to drastic spending changes or a big revamp of tax policy. Follow CNBC's 2024 election live blog here.

In addition to the election, Wall Street is preparing for the Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decision on Thursday. According to CME Group's FedWatch Tool, traders anticipate a 99% chance of a quarter-point rate cut at the end of the central bank's policy meeting, following a half-percentage-point reduction in September.

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed overnight, while U.S. stock futures were flat. 

— CNBC's Samantha Subin contributed reporting to this markets blog.

DHL Group net profit falls 7% in third quarter, coming in below expectations

Logistics giant DHL Group on Tuesday reported a 6.9% drop in net profit in the third quarter compared to the same time period a year earlier.

Net profit for the quarter came in at 751 million euros ($817.6 million). This was below the 787 million company complied consensus, Reuters reported.

The third-quarter earnings report comes after DHL Group last week cut its operating profit outlook for the full year and the medium term, referencing a weaker macroeconomic environment in Europe and low business-to-business mail volumes.

— Sophie Kiderlin

Hugo Boss posts better-than-expected operating profit in third quarter, flags China weakness

Krisztian Bocsi | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Luxury retailer Hugo Boss on Tuesday said its operating profit fell 7% in the third quarter to 95 million euros ($103 million), ahead of the company provided poll of 90 million euros, according to Reuters.

The company also confirmed its top- and bottom-line outlook for the full year, even as it flagged declines in the Asia-Pacific region in the third quarter.

"Currency-adjusted sales in the Asia/Pacific region decreased 7%, mainly reflecting revenue declines in China, where weak local consumer demand continued to weigh on domestic retail consumption," the company said in its Tuesday statement.

Currency adjusted sales across the group globally rose 1% in the third quarter, Hugo Boss said.

— Sophie Kiderlin

European markets: Here are the opening calls

European markets are expected to open in mixed territory Tuesday.

The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 15 points lower at 8,177, Germany's DAX down 12 points at 19,149, France's CAC down 1 point at 7,374 and Italy's FTSE MIB up 73 points at 34,358, according to data from IG.

Earnings are set to come from Earnings come from Saudi Aramco, Adecco, Schaeffler, Deutsche Post DHL, Zalando, Hugo Boss, Bouygues, Ørsted, Vestas Wind and Fresenius Medical Care.

Data releases include U.K. BRC retail sales and Spanish unemployment data.

— Holly Ellyatt

CNBC Pro: How European investors can hedge against a Trump win, according to Barclays

Investors in Europe who are concerned about former President Donald Trump's potential return to the White House have several options at their disposal, according to Barclays strategists.

The bank suggested that European equities could face significant headwinds if Trump wins the presidency, primarily due to the potential for trade tariffs and protectionist policies, and named stocks and options contracts to play the various outcomes.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Ganesh Rao

CNBC Pro: Goldman Sachs names 2 top auto stocks in Asia — giving one 44% upside

Goldman Sachs has refreshed its list of top stock picks in Asia to include two automotive stocks. The stocks are featured on the investment bank's "Conviction List - Directors' Cut," which seeks to offer a "curated and active" list of buy-rated stocks.

It comes as auto companies have been in the spotlight in the region following stronger SUV sales in countries like India and high electric vehicle adoption in China.

CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here.

— Amala Balakrishner

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