FX.co ★ European Stocks Set to Open Higher on Trade Hopes

European equity markets are positioned for a strong opening on Friday, driven by an uplift in investor sentiment stemming from signs of diminishing global trade tensions. United States President Donald Trump announced that discussions with China continue to progress, alongside developments in negotiations with Japan and South Korea. Optimism has further been bolstered by reports suggesting that Beijing might lower its 125% tariff on certain US products. Investors will also pay close attention to the release of new economic indicators, particularly UK retail sales and French business confidence figures, which could influence market dynamics further. On the corporate earnings front, reports from AON, LyondellBasell Industries, and Bankinter, among others, are anticipated. In pre-market trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures increased by 0.6%, with Stoxx 600 futures climbing by 0.4%.