Europe: Stocks Set to Open Lower.

European equity markets were poised for a weaker open on Thursday as investors awaited French President Emmanuel Macron’s choice for a new prime minister following the unexpected resignation of Sebastien Lecornu and his cabinet. Traders also digested recent trade developments after the EU announced plans to cut tariff-free quotas on imported steel and raise tariffs on excess imports from 25% to 50%. The move sparked strong gains in steelmakers such as ArcelorMittal and ThyssenKrupp on Wednesday. In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 futures slipped 0.1%, while Stoxx 600 futures fell 0.3%.