India, March 14 -- European stocks are likely to open higher on Friday amid signs the U.S. may avert a looming government shutdown after Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer announced he's ready to start the process of considering a Republican-led government funding bill that has fiercely divided Democrats.
That said, volatility cannot be ruled out in the wake of lingering trade tensions and skepticism about the potential for a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
As trade tension mount, there are now increased expectations of the Federal Reserve easing monetary policy.
The U.S. economic calendar remains light, with the University of Michigan's preliminary report on consumer sentiment and inflation expectations in March likely ...