European Stocks Set for Lower Open

European stocks traded little changed near record levels Thursday, with investors focused on a fresh wave of corporate earnings. The Euro Stoxx 50 added 0.2% to 6,185, while the broader STOXX Europe 600 was flat at 633. Among notable movers, Schneider Electric rose more than 1% after reporting better-than-expected core earnings. Eni also gained over 1%, supported by a rise in fourth-quarter earnings. Deutsche Telekom edged up 0.6% after posting core profit slightly ahead of expectations. In France, Engie jumped 6% after announcing plans to acquire 100% of UK Power Networks for an equity value of £10.5 billion. Meanwhile, LSEG unveiled an additional £3 billion share buyback program. Elsewhere, Clariant advanced 1.5% after reporting stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA. In contrast, Allianz slipped 0.9%. Although the insurer posted record operating profit for 2025, its 2026 guidance fell short of analyst forecasts.

European equity markets were on track to open lower on Thursday as investors balanced lingering concerns about an overheating AI trade, while upbeat earnings from Nvidia drew only a muted market reaction. Trade-related uncertainty also weighed on sentiment after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said US tariff rates for certain countries could rise to 15% or higher from the newly imposed 10%, without offering further details. Meanwhile, market participants awaited the latest round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva later today, keeping a cautious tone across regional bourses. On the macro front, traders will monitor consumer and business confidence data from the Eurozone and Italy for fresh signals on economic momentum. In corporate news, earnings releases are scheduled from Allianz, Deutsche Telekom, AXA, Munich Re and Eni, among others. Euro Stoxx 50 futures were down 0.2% in premarket trading.

European equity indices advanced on Wednesday, buoyed by easing concerns over potential disruptions from AI and cautious optimism ahead of further clarity on US trade policy. The Euro STOXX 50 climbed 0.9% to close at a record high of 6,172, while the broader STOXX Europe 600 gained 0.7% to a record of 633. Investor focus now shifts to earnings from Nvidia, due later in the day, which are expected to provide fresh insight into the strength and sustainability of AI-driven demand. ASML, whose orders from Nvidia make up a large part of revenue, added 2%. HSBC surged 7.6% after the bank reported stronger-than-expected results for 2025. On the macroeconomic side, German consumer confidence unexpectedly weakened heading into March, while sentiment in France improved in February, offering a mixed picture of household confidence across the region.