FX.co ★ European Stocks Set for Higher Open

European equities were set for a stronger open on Friday, buoyed by optimism that the US–Iran ceasefire will hold and may eventually allow for a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The prospect of smoother shipping conditions has lifted risk appetite globally and eased concerns over inflation and further interest-rate hikes. Attention now turns to diplomatic talks in Islamabad this weekend, where Vice President JD Vance will lead a US delegation in discussions with Iranian officials. Nonetheless, caution remains, with ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and persistent shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz threatening to complicate negotiations. On the data front, investors will parse final German inflation figures for March, as well as industrial production releases from Italy and Turkey. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures were up 0.6%, while Stoxx 600 contracts rose 0.5%.