Economic calendar: Russia-Ukraine talks, US survey data

• European stock market set to open higher

• Next round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

• API report, CB consumer confidence

European stock market indices are set for a higher opening of the cash session on the Old Continent today. DAX futures point to a bullish price gap exceeding 150 points at the launch of the cash session. Equities were supported yesterday by somewhat positive news on Russia-Ukraine talks (Financial Times report on both sides' demands softening). However, there was no confirmation of the content of the report by any of the sides. Russia and Ukraine are set to begin next round of talks this morning in Turkey so traders should keep on guard for any potential headlines coming out from this meeting. Apart from that, economic calendar for today is mostly empty. Conference Board consumer confidence reading in the afternoon may produce some volatility but moves are likely to be short-lived.

3:00 pm BST - US, Conference Board consumer confidence index for March. Expected: 107.00. Previous: 110.5

9:40 pm BST - API report on oil inventories. Expected: -1.6 mb. Previous: -4.28 mb

Central bankers' speeches

• 2:00 pm BST - Fed Williams

• 3:45 pm BST - Fed Harker

• 5:30 pm BST - SNB Zurbrugg