European stocks poised for losses as oil surge overshadows reserve release. Markets across the continent face headwinds Thursday, with the FTSE expected down 0.2%, DAX falling 1%, CAC 40 sliding 0.8%, and Italy's FTSE MIB dropping 1.1%. Despite the International Energy Agency's agreement to release 400 million barrels of oil to counter Iran war supply disruptions, crude prices jumped over 8% overnight, with Brent crude reaching $100 per barrel. Traders remain skeptical the strategic reserve release will adequately offset the global supply shock. Adding to market pressure, the Trump administration announced new trade investigations into the European Union and other economies under Section 301 of the Trade Act, which could lead to tariff impositions. Major earnings reports from BMW, Generali, RWE, and others will also influence sentiment today.
