European markets head for negative open as traders await ECB rate decision

European markets are heading for a negative open Thursday as traders await the latest monetary policy decision from the European Central Bank.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100
index is expected to open 39 points lower at 8,230, Germany’s DAX
down 48 points at 21,255, France’s CAC
38 points lower at 7,289 and Italy’s FTSE MIB
97 points lower at 35,061, according to data from IG.

Regional markets will be focused on the ECB’s latest monetary policy decision and outlook on Thursday.

The central bank is widely expected to trim interest rates for the third time this year amid widespread concerns over the euro zone’s economic growth outlook in a time of uncertainty over global trade and tariffs. A quarter-point cut would take the ECB’s deposit facility rate, its key rate, to 2.25%.