European stocks are set to open higher on Friday as investors closely monitor earnings reports from companies amid persistent trade uncertainty.
Futures for the pan-European Stoxx 600 index suggest a 0.4% gain at the open, according to FactSet data. Regionally, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 is expected to add 0.2%, Germany’s DAX to open higher by 0.3% and France’s CAC 40 to rise by 0.6%.
The Stoxx Europe 600 index has enjoyed a three-day winning streak so far, gaining 2.4% this week.
In a choppy trading session on Thursday, Britain’s FTSE index eked out a 0.1% increase to extend its winning streak for a ninth trading day, notching its longest positive run since 2019.
Corporate earnings were also in focus on Friday, with jet engine maker Safran, marketing giant WPP, defense contractor Saab AB, and building materials firm Holcim reporting results.
In Asia, markets rose after Wall Street gained for a third straight day as tech stocks rallied, with investors assessing the trade climate as the U.S. tones down tariff rhetoric and China reportedly mulls suspending levies.
Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 rose 1.88% and the Topix added 1.41%. South Korea’s Kospi climbed 1.07% while the small-cap Kosdaq rose 0.86% as South Korea also reportedly inches closer to striking a trade deal with the U.S. Australian markets are closed for a holiday.
— CNBC’s Sean Conlon and Lee Ying Shan contributed reporting.
