FX.co ★ European Markets Poised for Cautious Open

European equity markets were poised for a subdued opening on Friday as investors assessed the economic repercussions of ongoing global trade tensions while anticipating new regional data. In premarket trading, the futures for Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 were largely stable, showing slight gains. Trade issues continued to dominate attention following statements from European Union officials on Thursday. The EU is advocating for a more extensive tariff reduction agreement with the United States compared to those currently under discussion with the UK and China. EU negotiators expressed confidence in the bloc's economic strength, indicating a resistance to being coerced into unfavorable terms. Economically, investors are keenly awaiting the Eurozone’s trade balance data for March, as well as Italy's inflation figures and unemployment data from France. In the absence of major corporate earnings announcements, macroeconomic developments and trade news are expected to significantly influence market sentiment at the opening.