Equity markets traded cautiously Monday as investors eyed a week dominated by speculation over US inflation data, a prolonged pause on Washington’s tariffs on China and a US-Russia summit.

Observers expect US President Donald Trump to announce an extension of a trade war truce reached with China last month, ahead of a 90-day deadline set for Tuesday.

Also in view is a high-stakes summit between Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Friday in Alaska, which could pave the way for a deal to resolve the Ukraine war that involves an easing of tough sanctions on Moscow.

London’s FTSE 100 index advanced nearing midday but Paris and Frankfurt edged lower as European defence stocks struggled on expectations for a Ukraine peace deal.

Oil prices ticked up after falling earlier on th

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