European equity markets were set to open higher on Thursday after a muted session, as investors continued to monitor economic and trade developments while awaiting a fresh batch of corporate earnings.
Market sentiment was supported by easing concerns over the Federal Reserve Chair’s position and China’s reaffirmation of efforts to normalize ties with the European Union ahead of a China-EU leaders’ summit later this month.
However, uncertainty lingered following the earlier US announcement of a 30% tariff on EU imports starting August 1.
On the corporate front, earnings are expected from ABB, Novartis, Investor AB, Volvo, Assa Abloy, SSE, Swedbank, TSMC, Publicis, and EasyJet.
Meanwhile, investors will also keep an eye on the latest UK employment data.
In premarket trade, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both up 0.8%.