Global stock markets mostly fell Thursday ahead of a widely anticipated speech by the US central bank chief, although a deal on American tariffs for a swathe of EU goods gave a late-session boost to European markets.

The agreement, struck amid President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz, will see most EU exports face 15-percent levies. But details released Thursday ended lingering uncertainty over how much European producers would suffer.

"This is the most favorable trade deal the US has extended to any partner," EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic said.

The news reassured investors in Europe and came on the same day as purchasing managers' index (PMI) data showed eurozone business activity at a 15-month high in August, while UK activity grew at its fastest pace in a year.

Overall, however

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