U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng pose during U.S.-China trade and economic talks at Santa Cruz Palace, Spain’s main foreign ministry office, in Madrid, Spain, September 14, 2025.
United States Treasury | Via Reuters
LONDON — European stocks lacked direction ahead of the open on Tuesday, as investors assess developments in the U.S.-China trade talks.
The U.K.’s FTSE index and Germany’s DAX are both expected to open just a touch higher, France’s CAC 40slightly lower and Italy’s FTSE MIB is seen opening 0.11% lower, according to data from IG.
Global markets are keeping a close eye on talks in Spain after U.S. PresidentDonald Trumpsaid the U.S.-China trade negotiations were progressing well.
The trade talks were overshadowed by a “framework” deal regarding the divestment of Chinese-owned TikTok announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Monday. Speaking from Madrid, Bessent noted that the commercial specifics of the arrangement have already been settled.
Both Trumpand Chinese PresidentXi Jinpingwill speak on Friday to discuss the terms.
The U.K is meanwhile preparing for White House leader’s state visit. The U.S. president and his wife, Melania, arrive on Tuesday evening and will spend Wednesday at Windsor Castle with King Charles and Queen Camilla before holding talks with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday.
Overnight, Japan’s benchmarkNikkei 225surpassed the 45,000 mark for the first time, leading gains in Asia-Pacific markets.
In the U.S., S&P 500 futureswere flat on Monday night after the Senate confirmed Trump’spick to join theFederal Reserve,Stephen Miran, just one day before the central bank meets to consider whether to cut interest rates.
On the European data front, U.K. unemployment figures, Italian inflation and EU Industrial production data are due, as well as a reading of German economic sentiment.
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