FX.co ★ European Stocks Poised for Lower Open

European equity markets were poised for a weaker open on Thursday as renewed tensions between the US and Iran dampened hopes for a near-term peace deal that could end the conflict and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The two countries also remained at an impasse over several key issues, including Tehran’s determination to retain control of Hormuz and maintain its nuclear program. In Europe, investors will be watching the latest Eurozone business and consumer confidence figures, while the corporate calendar is subdued with no major earnings reports due. In premarket trading, futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 were both down about 0.8%.