2026.04.1606:06:46UTC+00European Stocks Set for Higher Open

European equity markets were set for a stronger open on Thursday, following gains across global markets as optimism over renewed US-Iran talks and the potential for a broader peace agreement lifted risk appetite. Reports suggest Washington and Tehran are weighing an extension of their two-week ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations, even as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut under a dual blockade. Sentiment was further supported by robust corporate earnings and a recovery in technology stocks, which helped drive the positive tone in global equities.

In Europe, attention will center on the UK’s February monthly GDP report, as well as final March inflation data for the Eurozone and Italy. On the corporate front, investors will parse earnings updates from Tesco, Pernod Ricard, Viscofan, and other companies. In premarket trade, futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 were both up by roughly 0.2%.