European markets braced for choppy waters and interest rate squalls

EUROPEAN stock markets are expected to remain volatile this week amid continued fears that central banks will raise interest rates soon.

The week will get off to a slow start with the region's biggest market, London, closed today.

Earnings will continue to pour in with financials taking centre stage. Swiss bank UBS reports first-quarter results tomorrow, followed by French bank BNP Paribas and insurer AXA on Thursday.