LIVE MARKETS-Before the open: sneakers, soap, fashion and electricity

Welcome to the home for real-time coverage of European equity markets brought to you by Reuters stocks reporters and anchored today by Josephine Mason. Reach her on Messenger to share your thoughts on market moves: josephine.mason.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net

BEFORE THE OPEN: SNEAKERS, SOAP, FASHION AND ELECTRICITY (0647 GMT)

The potential for greater political tumult in Washington that will engulf the U.S. President following the launch of an impeachment probe into Donald Trump's dealing with Ukraine have put heavy pressure on European stock futures this morning.

Futures for Germany's export-heavy DAX are down 0.6%, while Eurostoxx 50 are down 0.4%.

Not helping sentiment is a profit warning from Pfeiffer Vacuum that it's suffering order delays and expects weaker-than-expected FY results, the latest European (and German) industrial machinery company to cut guidance.

While a relatively small company by market cap, the news will underscore concerns about the health of Europe Inc ahead of Q3 results as companies suffer their third straight quarterly decline in profits. Yesterday, German truck and trailer components maker SAF Holland issued a profit alert.

Pfeiffer's shares are down as much as 9.5% in pre-market trading and the news could hurt Comet Holdings and Assa Abloy.

Cosmetics and soap maker PZ Cussons Plc has said it expects conditions in its key markets to remain challenging for the rest of the first-half, as it reported declining first-quarter revenue in Asia-Pacific and Africa. Its shares are seen down 2%.

Still consensus-busting results from Nike, the world's largest footwear maker, overnight could provide a bright spot for Adidas and online fashion company BooHoo shares are expected to get a lift from its H1 results, highlighting the shift in consumer to online away from the high street.

Puma may not benefit from the warm glow from Nike though after Gucci-owner Kering announced it's issuing a bond that can be exchanged for shares in the German sports company. Kering owns a 15.7% stake.

News that ThyssenKrupp is preparing to replace its CEO after only a year on the job is seen boosting the German steel-to-elevator conglomerate shares.

Utilities will be in focus - EDF shares are seen down 5% by one dealer after the French electricity firm warned of spiralling costs from Britain's Hinkley Point C project. The UK's United Utilities forecast higher underlying profit and revenue for the first half.

(Josephine Mason)

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ON OUR RADAR: TRAINERS, ELEVATORS AND VACUUMS (0600 GMT)

On the corporate news front, warnings from industrial machinery makers are piling up. The latest comes from Germany's Pfeiffer Vacuum, which warned of delays to orders, cut its FY sales and EBIT margin forecasts in that move that underscores worries about a prolonged European corporate recession and bodes poorly for the upcoming Q3 earnings season.

Its shares are down as much as 9.5% in premarket trading.

One bright spot overnight for sport retailers though - Nike delivered better-than-expected quarterly revenue and profit after the world's largest footwear maker pushed to sell its sneakers to consumers through its own stores and online retailers gained pace. The news sent shares up 5% and may give Adidas and Puma a lift.

Change is afoot at the top of ThyssenKrupp - it plans to end the contract of current Chief Executive Guido Kerkhoff, the latest sign of turmoil at the steel-to-elevators conglomerate, as it tries to restructure itself by selling or listing all or parts of its elevator unit, by far its most profitable business.

Here are your early headlines:

Pfeiffer Vacuum Technology Adjusts Guidance For 2019 Sales And EBIT Margin

Thyssenkrupp CEO Kerkhoff to leave, chairwoman Merz to take over

As Thomas Cook customers return home, blame game begins

Derichebourg Announces Sale Of Its Activities In Morocco

Novartis blames former AveXis executives for Zolgensma data manipulation

Greek utility Public Power Corp shrinks first-half loss

Bain and Advent in advanced talks about new Osram bid -sources

Fiat manager charged with lying about emissions even after VW scandal

Renault-FCA merger "behind us", French carmaker says

(Josephine Mason)

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THE WORRIES PILE UP (0517 GMT)

As if investors didn't have enough to worry about from a slowing euro-zone (global) economy, the U.S. trade spat with China to Brexit. Now political turmoil is set to roil Washington and financial markets after the House of Representatives launched impeachment investigation into President Trump over his dealings with Ukraine.

The move has stirred worries about a prolonged period of upheaval in Washington, which could spill into the 2020 election and could distract the head of the world's No. 1 economy as he prepares for the next round of talks with Beijing over trade. Wall Street sold off and Asian equities are under pressure overnight.

IG financial spreadbetters expect London's FTSE to open 17 points lower at 7,274, Frankfurt's DAX to open 24 points lower at 12,283, and Paris' CAC to open 15 points lower at 5,613.

(Josephine Mason)

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(Reporting by Danilo Masoni, Josephine Mason and Thyagaraju Adinarayan)