European Markets Set To Open Higher Amid Geopolitical Focus

European stock markets are expected to open slightly higher on Tuesday as investors closely follow global political developments and economic updates.

The UK’s FTSE is expected to open flat, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 are likely to rise by about 0.2%. Italy’s FTSE MIB is also expected to open a little higher.

Markets started the week on a positive note as investors reacted to tensions in Iran and news of a criminal investigation involving U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Powell said the investigation is an attempt by former President Donald Trump to influence the central bank and confirmed he will not step down before his term ends in May.

Investors are also watching the situation in Iran, where protests have been met with strong action by authorities. Trump has warned that countries doing business with Iran could face a 25% tariff on trade with the U.S.

In Asia, markets traded higher overnight. However, U.S. stock futures slipped slightly as investors wait for inflation data and major bank earnings, including results from JPMorgan.

The upcoming U.S. inflation report is expected to show prices rose 2.7% over the past year. There are no major economic reports or earnings scheduled in Europe today.c