European stock futures are showing nervous on Thursday, ahead of key central bank decisions from the region. The major averages in the region had closed mixed yesterday ahead of the Fed decision. The European Central Bank and the Bank of England are set to announce their monetary policy decisions later today. Much expectations have been built around the ECB meeting and any disappointment there could lead to a pullback. The jobless claims report due from across the Atlantic may also impact sentiment.
On Wednesday, the U.K.'s FTSE 100 Index rose 1.38 percent and the French CAC 40 Index advanced 0.91 percent, while the German DAX Index fell 0.26 percent. The Euro STOXX 50 Index ended up 0.33 percent and the broader Stoxx Europe 50, which also includes U.K. stocks, added 0.57 percent.
Meanwhile, U.S. stocks declined modestly on Wednesday, as the Fed decision did not serve to quell their anxiety.
The European Central Bank is set to announce its monetary policy decision at 7:45 am ET, with traders expecting the central bank to consider alternative policy options apart from relaxing monetary policy further. Ahead of the ECB meeting, the Bank of England is set to announce its monetary policy decision. The announcement is expected at 7 am ET.
Apart from the meetings, the producer price inflation report from the eurozone and the U.K. construction purchasing managers' index are among the other major economic data for the day.
In corporate news, Continental AG reported higher second quarter net income and sales, while it expects a 7 percent increase in its sales for the full year. Athletic footwear maker Adidas also reported strong increase in second quarter sales and profits. The company also said it continues to forecast to sales growth of about 10 percent on a currency neutral basis.
Utility GDS-Suez reported a decline in its first half profits, although it confirmed its annual targets. Deutsche Post reported adjusted profits of 258 million euros compared to 256 million euros last year, while sales rose 5.5 percent to 3.06 billion euros. The company confirmed its sales outlook for the full year. Airliner Lufthansa reported a net loss, which however was narrower than what analysts had expected.
by RTT Staff Writer
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