European markets head for soft open as sentiment falters

Group 1 - European stocks are expected to open broadly flat as investors await central bank decisions, with the U.K.'s FTSE index slightly higher and Italy's FTSE MIB down 0.1% [1] - The European Central Bank (ECB) is anticipated to maintain interest rates at 2% while likely raising its euro zone growth forecasts, which were previously set at 1.2% for annual GDP growth [2] - The Bank of England (BOE) is expected to reduce interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75% due to weak growth and rising unemployment concerns, with inflation data for November projected at 3.5% [3] Group 2 - U.S. stock futures declined after the S&P 500 experienced a third consecutive losing session, influenced by recent job data indicating a loss of 105,000 jobs in October but an addition of 64,000 jobs in November [4] - Asia-Pacific markets showed mixed results as investors analyzed Japan's trade data [4]