European indices edge higher in early trading amid speculations on full-scale quantitative easing being decided at the next ECB-meeting taking place on January 22^nd. As the Eurozone faces the risk of deflation the possibility of the ECB to buy government bonds is growing. Eurozone's consumer prices dropped an annual 0.2% in December declining for the first time in five years.

Today markets were supported by solid gains in the health-care and financial sector. Energy stocks were under pressure again as the slump in oil prices continued. Markets look ahead to FOMC Member Dennis Lockhart's speech scheduled for 17:40 GMT today.

After a mixed set on U.S. job data U.S. indices point to a higher open.

The FTSE 100 index is currently trading +0.61% quoted at 6,540.58 points, Germany's DAX 30 added +1.14% trading at 9,758.62. France's CAC 40 rose by +1.20%, currently trading at 4,229.04 points.