币界网报道:European markets opened lower on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 down 0.3%, Germany's DAX slipping 0.5%, and France's CAC 40 falling 0.4% amid lingering concerns over inflation and slowing economic growth. Investors remain cautious ahead of the European Central Bank's policy meeting next week, where further interest rate hikes are expected to combat persistent price pressures. Banking stocks led declines as bond yields retreated, while energy shares gained modestly on higher oil prices. Analysts note muted trading volumes due to the U.S. Independence Day holiday, with markets awaiting Friday's key U.S. jobs report for fresh economic cues.