FX.co ★ European Markets Head for Lower Open

European stock markets appeared poised for a softer start on Thursday, continuing the decline observed in the previous session. This sentiment shift comes as the early-year exuberance for risk assets wanes, overshadowed by escalating geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Investors are also strategically positioning themselves ahead of crucial events, such as the US Supreme Court's impending rulings on the legality of tariffs imposed under President Donald Trump, and the forthcoming US employment report, which could shed light on labor market conditions and future policy directions. In the European context, focus will be directed towards key economic indicators, including German factory orders, French trade statistics, and a range of Eurozone data covering economic sentiment, unemployment, and producer inflation. In pre-market activity, both Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures indicated a downturn, each declining by approximately 0.3%.