FX.co ★ European Markets Set for Sharp Losses

European stock markets were set for a significant decline at the opening on Friday, as a global sell-off continued due to heightened anxiety over high valuations and the long-term viability of investments in artificial intelligence. Additionally, commodities, risk-sensitive currencies, and cryptocurrencies experienced downward pressure, reflecting the increased cautiousness in financial markets. The recently delayed U.S. jobs report, released on Thursday, offered little definitive insight into future interest rate directions, with expectations now leaning towards the Federal Reserve maintaining its current policy stance in December. European investors are anticipating preliminary Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reports from various regions, along with data on UK public sector borrowing, retail sales, and the business climate manufacturing survey from France. In premarket activity, both Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures showed declines of over 1%.