19.12.202506:35:26UTC+00European Markets Set for Muted Open

European equity markets were set to open with minimal changes on Friday, maintaining the previous session's gains despite the decidedly firm messages from both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England. On Thursday, the ECB held steady on interest rates, meeting expectations, and adjusted some growth and inflation forecasts upwards. Concurrently, the BOE lowered its policy rate by 25 basis points, which was anticipated, yet adopted a cautious stance on future easing measures. Recent statistics indicated a rise in UK consumer confidence for December preceding the Christmas festivities, although ongoing cost-of-living challenges and widespread economic uncertainties continue to dampen sentiment. Investors are now turning their attention to forthcoming regional data, including insights into German consumer confidence and UK retail sales figures. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures remained nearly unchanged.