Global markets following mixed course

ISTANBUL

Global markets on Thursday are following a mixed course with concerns over inflation and expectations of a tighter monetary stance.

Markets are set to follow the announcement of Britain's GDP growth and industrial production data.

Despite the US Federal Reserve saying it would remain patient on raising interest rates, the release of higher inflation data on Wednesday could bring a tighter monetary stance sooner rather than later.

Analysts said the amount of reductions in Fed asset purchases, earlier announced at $15 billion, could be increased in the coming days and this could also push the calendar of interest rate hikes forward, adding that policymakers' verbal guidance would be followed carefully.

Despite rising inflationary concerns in Europe and the daily number of COVID-19 cases in Germany hitting their highest since the onset of the virus, stock markets closed in positive territory Wednesday.