European stocks are expected to open lower on Thursday, ahead of flash purchasing manager’s index (PMI) data for the euro zone, which will give an indication of activity in the region’s manufacturing and services industry in May. London’s FTSE is seen 31 points lower at 6,038, Germany’s DAX is seen 86 points lower at 11,157, France’s CAC 40 is expected to open 35 points lower at 4,462 and Italy’s FTSE MIB is seen 150 points lower at 17,019, according to IG. Markets in Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Sweden & Denmark are closed for the Ascension Day public holiday. Aside from the PMI numbers from the euro zone, ... (full story)