European stocks were mixed on Thursday as investors looked ahead to the European Central Bank’s latest decision on interest rates and its updated economic outlook. Shortly after the opening bell, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index was flat, showing little overall direction across sectors and regional bourses. Market sentiment remained cautious as traders awaited fresh signals on monetary policy and global growth prospects.

Among individual stocks, Gucci owner Kering gained 2% in early trade, placing it near the top of the Stoxx 600. The uptick came after the French luxury group confirmed it would delay its planned acquisition of Valentino until at least 2028. The move provides Kering with more time to assess market conditions in the high-end fashion industry, which has been grappling with shifting consumer demand and macroeconomic uncertainty.

Investors across Europe are watching the ECB closely, although no change is expected to its key deposit facility, which currently stands at 2%. Instead, the central bank’s updated macroeconomic projections for the eurozone and the broader global economy are likely to draw the most attention. Analysts say the outlook will be critical for gauging how long rates may remain steady amid ongoing inflation concerns and sluggish growth.

On Wall Street, U.S. stock futures were flat on Wednesday night as traders awaited the release of August consumer price index data on Thursday morning. Economists expect the CPI to rise 0.3% month-on-month, for an annual increase of 2.9%. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy components, is projected to climb 0.3% from July and 3.1% year over year. The inflation figures will play a key role in shaping expectations for the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves.

In Asia, markets largely mirrored U.S. gains, with Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 reaching a record high overnight. Analysts said the rally was supported by Wall Street’s performance and optimism that steady U.S. inflation data could help sustain global risk appetite. Together, the mixed trading patterns highlight the cautious mood across regions as investors balance corporate updates, monetary policy decisions, and the broader economic outlook.

Source: CNBC.