European equities are expected to open lower on Thursday

European equities are expected to open lower on Thursday. Reports of explosions and gunfire in Jakarta in Indonesia have spooked markets in Asia and are expected to weigh on sentiment elsewhere. Explosions and gunfire in central Jakarta sent Indonesia's stocks tumbling. Reports said at least six explosions were heard which, according to Indonesian police, left three civilians and three police officers dead.Held and a massive police operation in the center of Sydney, which will released any details, but residents evacuate.

Elsewhere, major Asian stock markets continued their downward slide, following a massive sell-off on Wall Street overnight, pressured by concerns over a global economic slowdown and low oil prices.(Nikkei 225: -4.30 %; Hang Seng: -1.63 %; S&P/ASX 200: -1.81 %; Shanghai Composite: -1.09 %; Topix: -3.95 %)

On Thursday, investors will also be watching for the latest monetary policy decision from the Bank of England. Earnings come from Alstom, Richemont, ASOS, AB Foods, Burberry and Tesco on Thursday.

Eurozone data: in 11:00 - 11:00 Italian Industrial Production (MoM) (Nov), with a forecast of 0.2% and German GDP Annual (12M), with a forecast 1.60%.