FX.co ★ European Stocks Poised for Lower Open to Begin 2026

European equity markets were anticipated to open on a lower note on Friday, marking the first trading day of 2026, following a remarkably successful year. Trading activity might experience reduced volume due to the recent New Year's holiday. Investors are on the lookout for new stimuli, particularly focusing on the outlook for US interest rates, while geopolitical developments continue to play a significant role in the background. Additionally, market participants will be paying close attention to an array of forthcoming economic data, including manufacturing PMI figures for the eurozone, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy, along with money supply data for the eurozone. The December report of the UK Nationwide House Price Index is also scheduled for release. No major corporate earnings announcements are expected at this time. In pre-market trading, futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 indices fell by approximately 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively.