04.02.202606:19:53UTC+00European Stocks Set for Lower Open

European equity markets were poised to open on a downtrend on Wednesday, influenced by a global tech sell-off amid growing apprehensions about AI-induced disruptions in critical sectors. Software stocks were particularly affected following AI startup Anthropic's launch of a productivity tool aimed at in-house lawyers, which adversely impacted shares related to legal software and data services. In Europe, investors are eagerly anticipating January's Eurozone inflation figures to gain insights into the region’s monetary policy direction. Both the European Central Bank and the Bank of England are expected to announce their policy decisions on Thursday, with predictions leaning towards keeping interest rates steady. In corporate developments, French banking heavyweight Credit Agricole posted a Q4 profit that did not meet analysts' forecasts, as heightened expenses related to its Italian operations overhaul and increased provisions for at-risk loans and other liabilities weighed on its earnings. In premarket activity, futures for both the Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 had dipped approximately 0.1%.