(Alliance News) - Blue-chip stocks in Europe are set to open slightly lower on Thursday, missing out on a Wall Street rally, on the eve of the next US nonfarm payrolls reading.
IG says futures indicate the FTSE 100 to open 11.7 points lower, 0.1%, at 8,324.11 on Thursday. The index of London large-caps fell 23.60 points, 0.3%, at 8,335.81.
Over in Paris, the CAC 40 is called to open 0.3% lower. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday will seek ways out of France's political crisis, after Michel Barnier became the first prime minister to be ousted by parliament in over six decades.
Lawmakers voted on Wednesday to oust Barnier's government after just three months in office, approving a no-confidence motion proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far right headed by Marine Le Pen.
Barnier's record-quick ejection comes after snap parliamentary elections this summer, which resulted in a hung parliament with no party having an overall majority and the far right holding the key to the government's survival.
The DAX 40 in Paris is called down 0.1%.
The pound was quoted at USD1.2717 early Thursday, where it stood at the time of the London equities close on Wednesday. The euro faded to USD1.0525 from USD1.0536. Against the yen, the dollar was trading at JPY149.78, down from JPY150.06.
In Asia, stocks were mixed. The Shanghai Composite was down 0.1% in China. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong weakened 1.2%. Over in Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 added 0.2%, as did the S&P/ASX 200 in Sydney.
US stocks achieved record highs again. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.7% on Wednesday. The S&P 500 added 0.6% and the Nasdaq Composite jumped 1.3%.
"The S&P 500 index hit a new all-time high for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, closing at around 6,090 points. This impressive performance was primarily driven by the technology sector, reflecting renewed confidence in financial markets. Major companies in the industry, known for their innovation and profitability, continue to attract investors' attention, solidifying their central role in the global economy. This environment has generated positive sentiment among market participants despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties," XS.com Analyst Antonio Di Giacomo commented.
"The labour market outlook has also been key in shaping market expectations. The ADP private payrolls report showed an increase of 146,000 jobs in November, below the forecast of 166,000 positions. This moderate job growth slowdown reinforces the perception that an economy still needs monetary support to sustain its momentum. Despite falling short of expectations, the figure is not alarming, as job creation remains strong by historical standards. A slightly weaker labour market and the Fed's flexible stance have fuelled expectations for more accommodative monetary policies."
Eyes now turn to Friday's nonfarm payrolls reading. Thursday's economic calendar has construction purchasing managers' index readings from mainland Europe at 0830 GMT and a UK reading at 0930 GMT. The latest initial jobless claims data is released at 1330 GMT.
Thursday's local corporate calendar sees half-year results from packaging group DS Smith and Sports Direct owner Frasers.
Frasers is to be relegated from the FTSE 100 this month, alongside two constituent peers, housebuilder Vistry Group and variety goods retailer B&M European Value Retail.
Heading into London's blue-chip index is St James's Place, Alliance Witan and Games Workshop Group, according to an index review by FTSE Russell on Wednesday.
Brent oil was quoted at USD72.21 a barrel early Thursday, down markedly from USD73.20 at the time of the London equities close on Wednesday.
Gold fell to USD2,648.54 an ounce from USD2,653.48.
"The energy sector could attract attention as participants monitor developments from the Opec+ meeting later today," ActivTrades Analyst Anderson Alves commented.
"The base case scenario for the meeting is a 3-month extension of the current production cut quota, with a 6-month extension viewed as a bullish outlier for oil prices. While a deep production cut is not currently anticipated, any discussions hinting at this possibility, coupled with either a 3- or 6-month extension, would be highly supportive of oil prices and energy-related stocks."
By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor
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