European stock markets are set to open more in an easy trading session as traders grow optimistic about a Brexit trade deal.
The FTSE 100 in the UK is seen rising 38 points to 6,530, and the CAC in France rose 15 points to 5,552, according to the GI index. German and Italian markets are closed for Christmas Eve.
It is said that the United Kingdom and the European Union are about to conclude a post-Brexit trade agreement on Thursday. It comes after months of political struggles over key points such as fishing.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to speak with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen around 7am London time. Johnson expects to hold a press conference an hour later.
In Asia, equities were largely higher as investors watched the latest developments in Brexit. The broadest MSCI index of Asia-Pacific equities outside Japan rose 0.5%.
On Wall Street, stock futures rose before the last trading day of the shortened holiday week.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday vetoed a defense law, violating the Republican-led Senate. The move came after he called Congress’ $ 900 billion coronavirus aid package an “inappropriate shame.”