European stock markets are poised for a weak start on Thursday, building on losses from the previous session. Rising oil prices, fueled by concerns over potential U.S.-Iran tensions and threats to Middle Eastern oil supplies, are fueling inflation worries. The Federal Reserve’s latest FOMC minutes also highlighted a hawkish stance among policymakers, emphasizing elevated inflation risks.
Investors in Europe will keep a close eye on German trade and new car registration data, along with the ECB Monetary Policy Meeting Accounts. On the corporate front, UK retailer Tesco is set to release its earnings report. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures are down 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively.