British News Agency

Futures linked to the Pan-European Stoxx 50 Index last rose by 0.2%. Futures tied to London’s FTSE 100 showed a slight increase, while DAX and CAC 40 futures gained nearly 0.2%.

Investors are awaiting the outcome of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting next week. According to analysts, expectations for a quarter-point rate cut have increased in the past two weeks, and money markets are pricing in an 87.1% probability that policymakers will lower the main interest rate.

On Friday, delayed U.S. September consumer spending data, the University of Michigan’s December consumer sentiment survey, and the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index — used by the Fed to guide its policy decisions — will be released.

The central bank is also focusing on the weakening labor market; however, data released Thursday showed that U.S. unemployment claims fell by 27,000 in the week of November 29, coming in below expectations.

European investors continue to monitor developments in U.S.-led negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who met with a U.S. delegation in Moscow, is currently on an official visit to India. Russian Security Council Vice Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said this move was equivalent to legitimizing the war.

In an interview with India Today, Putin warned that if Ukrainian forces did not withdraw, Russia would seize the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine by force.

In corporate news, global reinsurance company Swiss Re unveiled its 2026 financial targets on Friday morning. The company announced a net profit target of $4.5 billion, slightly above its minimum target of $4.4 billion for 2025. Its goals also include annual dividend-per-share growth of 7% or more over the next two years.

Data to be released in Europe on Friday includes European Union GDP growth, Germany's factory orders, France’s trade balance, and Italy’s retail sales figures.