European markets are expected to open higher on Thursday after a lackluster performance the previous day.
The FTSE 100 index in the UK is projected to rise by 16 points, Germany's DAX is expected to gain 72 points, France's CAC is set to increase by 30 points, and Italy's FTSE MIB is forecasted to climb 98 points.
This positive sentiment is driven by the closure of US markets for the Thanksgiving holiday, creating a quieter trading environment globally.
While there are no major earnings reports, investors will be closely watching inflation figures from Spain and Germany, as well as European economic sentiment indicators. Business confidence data from Italy and Spain will also provide insights into the economic outlook for the region.
In Asia-Pacific markets, there was a mixed performance as investors reacted to a surprise interest rate cut by South Korea. This move has raised questions about monetary policy implications in the region.
In the US, stocks experienced a decline in light trading as investors took a cautious approach ahead of the holiday. The potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on imports is generating discussions about winners and losers in the stock market. Supply chain management companies are expected to benefit from these changes. Some market watchers are shifting their focus away from US stocks, considering them to be expensive, and looking for more attractive opportunities outside the US.
The upcoming economic data releases, including inflation figures and business confidence data, will provide insights into the current state of European economies and influence monetary policy decisions.