European equity markets were poised to open lower on Thursday, as investors weighed persistent worries about an overheated AI-driven rally against a subdued reaction to strong earnings from Nvidia.
Sentiment was further pressured by trade-related uncertainty after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated that US tariff rates on certain countries could rise to 15% or more, up from the newly imposed 10%, without providing additional specifics.
Caution also prevailed ahead of the latest round of US–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva later today, prompting a guarded tone across regional bourses.
On the macroeconomic front, traders will be watching consumer and business confidence figures from the Eurozone and Italy for fresh insight into the region’s growth momentum.
In corporate news, earnings are due from Allianz, Deutsche Telekom, AXA, Munich Re, Eni and others. Euro Stoxx 50 futures were down 0.2% in pre-market trading.
