European Markets Steady, Oil Hits May Highs as Moody's Reviews France

European stock markets are poised for a stable opening, with Eurostoxx and Ftse Mib futures up 0.1%, despite sharp losses on Wall Street where the Nasdaq fell 2.6% and the S&P 500 dropped 1.2% amid tech selling pressure. Oil prices continue to climb, with WTI up 1.45% to $100.9 per barrel and Brent rising 1.12% to $114.44, reaching highs not seen since May. Investors are also watching Moody's rating decision on French sovereign debt due later today, with French 10-year yields above 5% and the spread at 174 points. In corporate news, Eni reported third-quarter adjusted net profit of €2.8 billion, more than doubling year-on-year, and announced a special dividend of €0.46 per share plus a 12% increase in its buyback program to €3.8 billion. Japanese inflation rose to 2.1% in September, while Tokyo stocks closed down 0.5%.