FX.co ★ European Markets Set to Open Higher on Trade Optimism

European equity markets were set to open on a positive note this Friday, bolstered by a reduction in global trade tensions. The market sentiment was uplifted as China expressed willingness to engage in trade discussions with the United States, following several outreach attempts by Washington. Earlier in the week, President Donald Trump indicated potential advancements in trade agreements with India, Japan, and South Korea, while expressing optimism regarding a deal with China. Additionally, investors are keenly eyeing the release of April inflation data from the Eurozone, searching for any early indications of tariff effects on consumer prices. From a corporate perspective, markets are anticipating earnings reports from companies including NatWest, BASF, and Standard Chartered. In premarket trading, futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 rose by 1.4% and 1.2%, respectively.