European markets expected to maintain positive momentum

LONDON – European shares are expected to open higher on Wednesday, continuing the positive sentiment seen in world markets since the beginning of the week.

The United Kingdom FTSE index is expected to open 7 points higher at 8,557, Germany DAX 98 points to 21,140, ​​France CAC 40 13 points to 7,786 and Italy FTSE MIB up 123 points to 36,311, according to data from IG.

Global stock markets were trading higher earlier this week as investors digested the first executive orders that new US President Donald Trump signed on Monday.

The market gains were attributed to the fact that, while Trump issued an extensive memorandum that directs federal agencies to evaluate what it sees as unfair trade policies with foreign countries, he did not sign to authorize new levies on his first day back in office. Investors took this as a sign that he might be less gung-ho about implementing tariffs than previously expected.

Asia-Pacific markets especially he got up at night, while S&P 500 futures rose overnight after the first post-Inauguration Day trading session ended with strong gains.

The impact that Trump’s second term in office could have on the global economy and geopolitics was a key discussion point at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

CNBC’s coverage of the annual forum continues, with António Guterres, secretary general of the United Nations, to speak at 11:30 am Davos time. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez will speak at 3:45 pm

CNBC guests include Mark Rutte, the head of NATO, and Polish President Andrzej Duda and Sanchez.

Dick Schoof, the Dutch prime minister, the ministers of economy and trade of the United Arab Emirates, the minister of finance of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Al Jadaan and the president of Finland Alexander Stubb will also be speaking to CNBC in the forum on Wednesday.

There are no major data releases in Europe on Wednesday, but easyJet will publish its latest earnings report.