LONDON — European stocks are expected to open in positive territory on Wednesday as investors await key U.S. inflation data due to be released Thursday.

The U.K. FTSEindex opens at 7.615, Germany’s 58th highest point DAX 102 points higher at 15,338, France’s CAC 40 up 48 points at 7,071 and Italy’s FTSE MIBData from IG shows that 26586 was 180 points higher

Investors around the world are eagerly awaiting Thursday’s inflation data. The U.S. Labor Department will release January’s Consumer Price Index figures.

According to inflation data, prices increased 0.4% in January. That’s a 7.2% rise from one-year ago. It would mark the most significant increase in over 40 years. The reading follows a stronger-than-expected January jobs report, which has led to speculation that the Federal Reserve could be more aggressive when it comes to hiking rates.

Bank of America Monday said that the Fed might implement seven quarter-percentage-point rate hikes this year.

Overnight, shares in Asia-Pacific rose in Wednesday tradeRegionally, stocks in Hong Kong have seen gains. U.S. stock futuresOvernight trading rose modestly as investors prepare to receive corporate earnings.

L’Oreal Europe, Deutsche Boerse and Siemens Energy are all reporting today. German trade data are available in the Data Releases for December.