European shares are expected to ease slightly amid some trader reluctance to push the market even higher ahead of the festive weekend, after a strong run of gains that has lifted Wall Street to fresh multi-year highs.
Oil prices were steady after tumbling on Wednesday as an unexpected build in U.S. inventories helped soothe nagging supply concerns and bonds were under pressure ahead of the release of key German and U.S. inflation data.
The FTSEurofirst 300 index of leading European shares remains near 2-1/2 year highs but U.S. markets have been making most of the running in recent sessions, with the Dow closing at a 3-1/2 year peak.
Computer chip maker Infineon is a focus after U.S. peer Micron reported quarterly sales that fell short of analyst expectations, as is the continuing takeover battle for the London Stock Exchange.
Among the day's U.S. monthly economic reports are personal income and spending data, weekly jobless claims, durable goods orders (all 1330 GMT) and consumer confidence data at around 1445 GMT.