European Stocks Set for Lower Open as Middle East Attacks Escalate, Oil Surges Above $111

European shares are poised for a tepid open Thursday as escalating Houthi attacks in Yemen and the Gulf push Brent crude above $111 a barrel, heightening concerns over energy supply disruptions. The pan-European STOXX 600 had risen 0.9% on Wednesday, but futures pointed lower amid mounting geopolitical risk. A drone attack on Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field and an assault on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam killed one resident and injured eight others. The U.S. State Department ordered non-emergency government staff and families to leave Saudi Arabia. Reports also indicated the U.S. and Israel have drafted plans for potential strikes on Iran's nuclear and energy infrastructure after the midterm elections. Asian benchmarks in Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea fell 2-3% amid AI concerns and Gulf uncertainty. Gold dropped over 1% to $4,090 an ounce. The Federal Reserve is due to announce its rate decision on October 28, with hike odds at 16% for next week. U.S. stocks closed higher overnight, led by the Nasdaq's 1.1% gain.