FX.co ★ European Stocks Set to Open Lower

European equity markets were set for a softer opening on Thursday amid ongoing volatility, with investors steering through trade and political uncertainties. US President Donald Trump reaffirmed the prolonged trade conflict with China, although Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that the current truce could potentially be extended. In France, investors are scrutinizing the political scene as Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu’s new administration faces imminent no-confidence votes. Meanwhile, European shares rallied on Wednesday, driven by an uptick in luxury stocks. Attention is now directed towards earnings reports from ABB, EQT, and Nordea Bank, alongside the release of the UK's monthly GDP data. In premarket trading, futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 both declined by approximately 0.3%.