European Markets Seen Opening Firm On Iran Deal Hopes

Stock markets across Europe are expected to open on a positive note on Thursday amidst hopes of a peace deal and further easing in the Middle East tensions. The proposed peace talks between Israel and Lebanon, the potential transit of ships through Strait of Hormuz, and the better-than-expected GDP update from China are all seen lifting sentiment. The steady flow of corporate earning updates is also expected to sway sentiment.

Wall Street had closed on a mixed note on Wednesday amidst renewed hopes of an end to the Middle East war and positive earnings updates from the corporate sector. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.6 percent to close trading at a record high of 24,016.02. The S&P 500 also rallied 0.80 percent to finish trading at an all-time high of 7,022.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average however slipped 0.15 percent to finish trading at 48,463.72.