European equity markets were poised to open lower on Thursday, giving back part of the previous session’s gains as geopolitical tensions stayed high and both oil prices and the US dollar resumed their upward move. The US–Israeli campaign against Iran has now entered its sixth day, keeping investors on edge over the risk of further escalation and a potentially prolonged conflict.
Meanwhile, reports suggested that Iranian officials had contacted the US to probe the possibility of peace talks, though Tehran later denied making any such approach.
On the trade front, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said President Donald Trump’s recently announced 15% global tariff is expected to come into force later this week.
In Europe, investors will be watching key economic data releases, including Eurozone retail sales and French industrial production. The earnings calendar also features results from Merck, Deutsche Post, Snam, and other major corporates.
In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures were down 0.9%, while Stoxx Europe 600 futures slipped 0.5%.