Global Financial News: Investors Continue to Sit on the Sidelines

Here is your summary of the financial news from around the world:

1. European markets are mixed at the open as investors continue to sit on the sidelines amid upcoming election risks and still-simmering geopolitical tensions.

2. Nestle posts solid first-quarter sales & maintain full-year guidance. The company's shares rose as the markets responded to the news.

3. Unilever beats first-quarter sales forecasts and increases its dividend. The sales report came following the collapse of the Kraft Heinz takeover.

4. Oil prices also mounted a modest comeback after yesterday's steep declines, which were largely powered by concerns of oversupply in global energy markets and potentially slowing demand into the northern hemisphere's summer season.

5. U.S. futures prices are pointing to a modest rise at the bell, with the Dow set to gain 7 points and the S&P500 expected to advance by around 1.9 points.

READ MORE: European Stocks Called Lower as Investors Maintain Cautious Stance Ahead of French Elections