A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Ankur Banejee An action-packed week in the markets is heading for a more subdued finish as traders await U.S. payrolls data, although the lingering threat of a trade war kept investors hesitant about placing major bets.

The first punches have been thrown between the United States and China in what could amount to a short-lived trade dispute with limited economic fallout or the start of yet another lengthy and painful trade war reminiscent of President Donald Trump’s first term.

China's stocks and currency came under pressure as markets returning from a week-long break were greeted by a new trade dispute with the United States and ructions in the global artificial intelligence sector.