European markets are expected to start the new trading week on a positive note, with key indices showing signs of early gains.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 is set to open 14 points higher at 8,667, while Germany’s DAX is poised to rise by 83 points to 22,966. France’s CAC 40 is seen gaining 9 points, bringing it to 8,057, and Italy’s FTSE MIB is forecast to climb 171 points, reaching 38,391, according to data from IG.
Traders in Europe will be closely monitoring preliminary purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data from the U.K., France, Germany, and the broader eurozone. The data is expected to provide a fresh snapshot of business activity in the region’s manufacturing and services sectors, which will be closely watched for signs of economic momentum or slowdowns.
Asian Markets Edge Higher as Investors Eye U.S. Tariff Deadline
Overnight, markets across the Asia-Pacific region traded mostly higher, with investors in the region looking ahead to U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming tariff deadline on April 2. The anticipated deadline for new tariffs continues to weigh on global sentiment as traders await further clarity on the potential impact of the U.S. tariff strategy.
U.S. Stock Futures Point to Extended Gains
U.S. stock futures were higher, indicating that equities could continue their recent upward trajectory. On Friday, the three major U.S. indices closed in the green, buoyed by comments from President Trump suggesting there could be “flexibility” in his reciprocal tariff plan. However, Trump stopped short of confirming any potential exemptions, similar to remarks made earlier this month regarding tariffs on automakers.
Adding to optimism, a report from The Wall Street Journal on Sunday revealed that the U.S. tariffs are expected to be narrower in scope than initially anticipated, with certain industry-specific duties likely excluded. This has sparked some optimism that the impact of the tariffs could be less severe than previously feared.
As traders digest the latest developments on U.S. trade policy and await key economic data from Europe, market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, with attention squarely on global growth prospects and the potential ripple effects of tariff measures.
