European equity markets were poised to open higher on Thursday after the US Federal Reserve delivered a widely expected interest rate increase, while indicating that additional tightening may still be required to keep inflation in check. Sentiment was further supported by a pullback in oil prices, which eased inflation concerns following reports that Saudi Arabia plans to restore roughly half of its East–West pipeline capacity within days and return the system to full operation within six weeks.
Investors were also focused on the Bank of England’s policy decision. While interest rates were broadly expected to be left unchanged, policymakers could hint at a possible move later this year in response to rising energy costs. Final Eurozone inflation data for August were set to attract attention as well, although no major corporate earnings releases were scheduled in Europe for the day. In premarket trade, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both up about 0.2%.
