European markets set for gains ahead of euro zone inflation data

European markets are poised to open higher to kick off the new trading month after a successful February. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed slightly up on Thursday after the US core personal consumption expenditures price index rose as expected. The European stock index reached a new all-time high last month, driven by 11 leading stocks. Attention will now shift to the flash euro zone inflation reading for February, with economists expecting the consumer price index to rise. German consumer price inflation remains in line with forecasts. The European Central Bank will closely monitor the reading as it determines its future interest rate cuts.