Economic calendar: Focus on politics and earnings this week

• European markets seen opening higher

• EU-UK trade talks and US earnings in focus this week

• BoE and ECB Chiefs to speak today

European stock futures are trading higher ahead of the cash session open. Markets seem to ignore a mix of negative factors - spiking Covid-19 numbers and blurry outlook for US stimulus deal or EU-UK trade deal. While there are no key readings scheduled for release on Monday, investors will be offered some speeches from BoE and ECB members.  However, there will be plenty of events to follow during the week.

EU summit scheduled for Thursday and Friday is said to be the deadline for striking a EU-UK trade deal. However, key sticking points still remain unresolved. Apart from that, many European nations are either reimposing coronavirus restrictions or consider doing so. Should we see the return of tough restrictions in major European economies, moods can turn sour. Last but not least, US earnings season begins this week with major US banks being the first to report.

Central bankers' speeches today:

• 9:45 am BST - ECB's Schnabel

• 12:00 pm BST - ECB Chief Lagarde

• 2:00 pm BST - BoE's Haskel

• 4:00 pm BST - ECB's de Guindos

• 5:00 pm BST - BoE Chief Bailey

• 5:45 pm BST - ECB's Panetta

Major US banks dominate the first week of Q3 Wall Street earnings season. Source: Bloomberg, XTB