European Stocks Head for Higher Open

European equity markets were set for a higher open on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve delivered a widely anticipated interest rate hike, although the central bank signaled that further tightening may be needed to contain inflation. Stocks also gained support from lower oil prices, which eased concerns over inflation, following reports that Saudi Arabia aims to restore around half of its East-West pipeline capacity within days and return the system to full operation within six weeks. Meanwhile, investors awaited the Bank of England’s policy decision, with rates widely expected to remain unchanged, though policymakers could signal a potential move later this year amid rising energy costs. Final Eurozone inflation figures for August will also draw attention, while no major corporate earnings are scheduled for release in Europe today. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both up around 0.2%.