European Shares Set to Open Higher on Friday

Shares listed in Europe look set to move higher at the open on Friday, with the U.S.-Iran war and economic data in focus.

Futures tied to the regional Stoxx 50 were last seen trading 0.9% higher. Those tied to London's FTSE 100 were up by 0.4%. German DAX futures added 0.9% ahead of the week's final regular trading session, while French CAC 40 futures gained around 0.8%.

A rally in Europe on Friday would put regional stocks on course for their fourth consecutive day of gains. The pan-European Stoxx 600 is currently on track for a weekly rise of 2.25%.

Investors are continuing to monitor negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Oil prices surged on Thursday after Tehran reportedly said it would insist on keeping enriched uranium in Iran, renewing concerns about a prolonged conflict that would disrupt the oil market for longer than expected. Oil extended its rally into Friday, with global benchmark Brent crude holding slightly above $104 a barrel.

In Europe, investors are keeping an eye on a series of data prints. The GfK German Consumer Confidence report for June is due later this morning. It is expected to shed some light on how rising energy costs have hit consumer sentiment in Europe's largest economy. The corresponding report for the U.K. is also due to be released, as well as figures on public sector borrowing and retail sales in Britain. Business confidence data from France is slated for release later.

In corporate news, U.S. cosmetics giant Estée Lauder and Spanish beauty conglomerate Puig said Thursday that they had ended merger talks. New York-listed shares of Estée Lauder rose more than 10% in after-hours trading.