European stocks rose Thursday, with investors ploughing through a steady supply of new corporate earnings against a backdrop of uncertain trade negotiations.
At 03:15 ET (07:15 GMT), the DAX index in Germany climbed 0.7%, the CAC 40 in France gained 1.2% and the FTSE 100 in the U.K. rose 0.4%.
European equities have been on tenterhooks for most of this week after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would be introducing 30% tariffs on imports from the European Union, effective from the start of August.
Trump said, in an interview Wednesday, that the United States was very close to a trade deal with India, while an agreement could possibly be reached with Europe as well.
These comments come as EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic was headed to Washington on Wednesday for tariff discussions.
Publicis lifts full-year growth forecast
There are an abundance of European companies reporting quarterly results Thursday for investors to digest.
Publicis (EPA:PUBP) raised its full-year organic growth forecast after the French advertising firm reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results.
Novartis (SIX:NOVN) posted a 24% rise in second-quarter net income, as sales of key therapies including Kisqali and Entresto drove a strong U.S. performance for the drugmaker.
Volvo (OTC:VLVLY) Car (ST:VOLCARb) reported a steep fall in second-quarter adjusted operating profit, as the Swedish company said demand remained under pressure as tariffs hit.
Nordea Bank (ST:NDASE) reported a 6% decline in second-quarter net profit, with the Nordic bank citing pressure from lower policy rates and financial market volatility.
