European equity markets were set to open significantly lower on Friday, with futures for the Euro Stoxx 50 down 1.7% and the Stoxx 600 off 1.2% in premarket trade, as escalating Middle East tensions rattled global sentiment.
The sharp declines followed Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran, targeting its nuclear facilities in a dramatic escalation of the regional conflict.
Iran responded with drone attacks after confirming multiple fatalities among senior military officials, fueling fears of a broader confrontation.
Investors will also turn their attention to key economic data, including final inflation readings from Germany, France, and Spain, as well as the Eurozone’s trade balance and industrial production figures.
No major corporate earnings are expected in the region today.