LONDON — European stocks are expected to open higher on Thursday, building on positive momentum in the previous session.

The U.K.'s FTSE index is expected to open 0.37% higher, Germany's DAX up 0.51%, France's CAC 40 up 36% and Italy's FTSE MIB up 0.49%, according to data from IG.

The positive start for Europe comes after gains for regional indices on Wednesday ; the pan-European Stoxx 600 finished trading up 1.2%, with most sectors and major bourses in positive territory.

Market focus remains on the U.S. government shut down after Republicans — including President Donald Trump — and Democrats failed to agree on a short-term deal on government funding earlier this week.

Read more Government shutdown live updates: Stalemate to last at l

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