European Stocks Set for Positive Open
European equity markets were poised to open higher on Thursday as investors prepared for the European Central Bank’s upcoming policy decision, with the central bank widely expected to deliver its second 25 basis point rate hike of the year. Traders also turned their attention to key US inflation data that could cement expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase next week. Meanwhile, markets continued to contend with elevated oil prices amid the intensifying conflict between the US and Iran, fueling inflation concerns and reinforcing expectations for near-term rate hikes. Elsewhere, investors will monitor Germany’s final August inflation figures, along with July industrial production data from Italy and Spain. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures gained 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively.
European equity markets were poised to open higher on Thursday as investors prepared for the European Central Bank’s upcoming policy decision, with the central bank widely expected to deliver its second 25 basis point rate hike of the year. Traders also turned their attention to key US inflation data that could cement expectations for a Federal Reserve rate increase next week. Meanwhile, markets continued to contend with elevated oil prices amid the intensifying conflict between the US and Iran, fueling inflation concerns and reinforcing expectations for near-term rate hikes.
Elsewhere, investors will monitor Germany’s final August inflation figures, along with July industrial production data from Italy and Spain. 1%, respectively.