FX.co ★ European Markets Head Lower Open Ahead of ECB Decision

European equity markets were poised for a downturn on Thursday as investors prepared for the imminent European Central Bank policy announcement. The ECB is anticipated to lower interest rates by 25 basis points to 2.25%, marking the third reduction this year, in response to escalating concerns about the region's economic prospects in light of US tariffs. In addition to the monetary policy update, market analysts will be paying close attention to a busy schedule of earnings reports, including results from major corporations such as ABB, Deliveroo, L’Oréal, Hermès, and Sainsbury’s. In preliminary premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures declined by 0.3%, while Stoxx 600 futures dipped by 0.2%, indicating widespread caution among European investors.