European markets seen slightly higher ahead of data and OPEC meeting

European stocks are set to open slightly higher Thursday as investors monitor U.S.-China trade, data releases and an OPEC meeting.

The FTSE 100 is seen up by 2 points at 7,190; the CAC 40 is set to open unchanged at 5,799; and the German DAX is expected to start higher by 9 points; according to IG.

Investors are closely monitoring trade talks between China and the U.S. amid mixed signals about their progress. According to a Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the talks, the two economies are moving closer on their first-phase deal.

However, President Donald Trump has said that he could decide to delay a trade deal with China until after the 2020 Presidential election.

Elsewhere, a joint statement by NATO leaders on Wednesday said that the transatlantic alliance will stand together against threats from Russia and China. The statement comes after two-days of intense meetings in the U.K., where members clashed over the organization's role.

Ryanair, OPEC, German data

Meanwhile, in currency markets, sterling hit a seven-month high on Wednesday amid expectations that the upcoming general election will avoid a hung parliament.

In the corporate world, Ryanair cut its passenger traffic forecast on Wednesday and Daily Mail & General Trust is set to report Thursday.

On the data front, investors will be looking at German manufacturing numbers at 7 a.m. London time, as well as euro zone employment and GDP figures due at 10 a.m. London time.

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OPEC members are also due to start their first day of talks in Vienna. Market players are expecting deeper oil supply cuts later this week.

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