European Shares Set To Open Lower As Investors Weigh Inflation Risks

(RTTNews) - European stocks may drift lower at open on Thursday as investors weigh inflation concerns and await key U.S. economic data this week for additional clues on the Federal Reserve's rate trajectory. Reports on U.S. initial jobless claims and new home sales are due later in the day, followed by data on durables goods orders for August and consumer confidence index score from the University of Michigan on Friday. Markets currently price in a 55 percent chance of a Federal Reserve rate hike next month, according to the CME's FedWatch tool. Closer home, German business sentiment survey results as well as reports on French manufacturing sentiment and consumer confidence will be in the spotlight later today.