European stock markets started the week with a positive trend, except for France.

European equities opened the week higher across most major markets, with France the sole exception, as investors positioned ahead of upcoming U.S. inflation data and a heavy slate of technology-sector earnings. The pan-regional move reflects caution rather than conviction, with trading volumes and index-level detail still developing early in the session. France's outlier performance underscores country-specific pressure diverging from the broader regional tone. The week's direction hinges on the U.S. inflation print and corporate results from major tech names, both of which could reset rate expectations and equity risk appetite. Investors will watch whether the positive open holds through the data and whether France's underperformance spreads or stays contained.