European equity markets were set to open lower on Wednesday, as a rebound in oil prices—fuelled by persistent threats to Middle East energy supplies—revived concerns about inflation and the likelihood of higher interest rates. Investors also continued to monitor political developments in France, where far-right presidential frontrunner Marine Le Pen’s plans to cut government spending sparked a relief rally in French government bonds.
Market participants are now awaiting August trade data from France and German industrial production figures for additional insight into the region’s economic momentum. On the corporate side, the Dutch government announced it will reduce its stake in ABN AMRO from 20.7% to 10.5% via its investment vehicle NLFI. In premarket trading, futures on the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 were down 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively.
