European markets are expected to open slightly higher on Thursday, ahead of the long Easter weekend, as concerns about a U.S. economic slowdown increase.
Most European markets are closed Friday and Monday for the Easter holiday.
In Asia, stock markets were higher in cautious trading.
U.S. employment and manufacturing data disappointed on Wednesday, and market focus today is likely to be on the afternoon's weekly jobless claims, which are expected to show a slight increase to 286,000.
Greece, the country whose debt problems have been one of the biggest worries in the euro zone for the past few months, has sent an updated list of reforms to its lenders on Wednesday, raising hopes that it can access financial aid and avoid defaulting on its debt repayments.
In the U.K., all eyes will be on the country's political leaders as they take part in a seven-way television debate which could help decide the outcome of next month's election, the most difficult to call in decades.
25 Canada Square, Level 33, office 50, Canary Wharf London, E14 5LQ +44 20 3608 6256
World Financial Markets - 0700 17 600 Varchev Exchange - 0700 115 44
Varchev Finance Ltd is registered in the FCA (FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY) with a passport in the United Kingdom: FCA, United Kingdom - registration number: 494 045, which allows provision of financial services in the United Kingdom.
Varchev Finance Ltd strictly comply with the statutes of the European directive MiFID (Markets in Financial Instruments). targeting increased efficiency, transparency and uniformity of financial instruments.
Varchev Finance Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Supervision Commission - Sofia, Bulgaria: License number RG-03-02-05 / 15.03.2006
The information on this site is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.
Disclaimer:
CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 63,41% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.