FX.co ★ European Stocks Set for Lower Open

European equity markets were poised for a weaker open on Thursday as investors remained cautious ahead of the European Central Bank’s policy decision. The ECB is widely expected to lift its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, as policymakers attempt to curb inflationary pressures stemming from surging energy costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. If confirmed, this would be the central bank’s first rate hike since September 2023. Meanwhile, the US and Iran exchanged strikes this week in a significant breach of their ceasefire, though the US military has said it has completed its latest round of attacks on Iran, raising hopes that peace talks might resume. In premarket trading, futures on both the Euro Stoxx 50 and the Stoxx 600 were down roughly 0.5%.