European markets opened higher Thursday as market participants start to hope that the coronavirus pandemic is reaching a peak, but the latest U.S. unemployment claims data could hit sentiment.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 climbed 1.1% in early deals, with autos jumping 2.4% to lead gains as all sectors and major bourses entered positive territory.

European markets look set to follow their Asian counterparts, which were trading higher Thursday, but market sentiment could take a hit when the latest U.S. unemployment claims report, for the week ended April 4, is set to release at 8:30 a.m. ET Thursday.

Source : CNBC