European shares looked set to open higher on Wednesday after U.S. blue chips closed at levels last seen 3-1/2 years ago, while easing oil prices, a rebound in the dollar and a broker upgrade on technology bellwether Intel were also likely to offer upside support.
But trading was expected to be subdued in the run-up to Christmas.
Technology stocks will be in focus after Lehman Brothers upgraded its rating on Intel to "overweight" from "equal weight", a move which helped Japan's Nikkei 225 close at fresh 5-week highs and shrug off weaker-than-expected trade data.
A raised outlook at wireless technology company Qualcomm could also lift sentiment in the sector. (Reuters)