LONDON — European stocks are anticipated to open mixed on Thursday as U.K. investors await the Bank of England’s policy rate decision.
The U.K.’s FTSE index is forecasted to rise by 16 points to 8,212, Germany’s DAX by 21 points to 18,087, France’s CAC 40 by 3 points to 7,568, and Italy’s FTSE MIB by 10 points to 33,192, according to IG.
U.K. traders will be closely watching the Bank of England’s rate decision on Thursday. The central bank is expected to maintain rates at a 16-year high of 5.25%, though most economists polled by Reuters predict a rate cut in August following the country’s July 4 election.
Data released Wednesday showed U.K. inflation increased by 2.0% annually in May, aligning with the BoE’s inflation target.
The Swiss National Bank is also scheduled to announce its latest monetary policy decision on Thursday. Two-thirds of economists polled by Reuters expect the SNB to opt for a 25-basis-point cut to 1.25%.
Also read: UBS’s Market Power Unsettles Swiss Industry
Investors will be watching earnings reports from Boohoo Group and DS Smith closely. Additionally, flash consumer confidence figures from the euro zone for June are set to be released.
Overnight, Asia-Pacific markets were mostly down on Thursday as China kept its one- and five-year loan prime rates unchanged. Meanwhile, S&P 500 futures remained relatively steady on Wednesday, with investors anticipating the benchmark to extend its recent record high.
In terms of data, flash consumer confidence figures from the euro zone for June are expected to be released.
