China Stimulus Disappoints, Weighs on European Markets

European markets are set to open lower following investor disappointment at the lack of concrete stimulus measures announced by Chinese policymakers. Despite initial surges, Chinese stocks pared back gains, while Hong Kong`s Hang Seng Index experienced significant losses. This reaction overshadowed a relatively light economic calendar. Oil prices retreated slightly from recent highs driven by escalating Middle East tensions, but remain elevated on supply concerns. Meanwhile, robust U.S. economic data continues to fuel expectations of further interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, pushing Treasury yields higher.