European equity markets were set for a muted open on Friday, as investors weighed renewed trade concerns and awaited fresh inflation data out of Germany.
Futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 hovered flat to slightly positive in premarket trade, signaling a cautious tone.
Market sentiment remained fragile after a US appeals court reinstated President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, reversing a prior federal court ruling that had deemed them unlawful.
Adding to the uncertainty, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that US-China trade talks are “a bit stalled,” and suggested that meaningful progress may now hinge on direct communication between the countries’ leaders.
In Europe, focus turns to Germany’s May inflation figures, which could offer fresh clues on the European Central Bank’s policy path, especially as officials balance inflation risks with signs of softening economic activity.