European markets head for slightly lower open as Brexit fears resurface

European markets head for slightly lower open as Brexit fears resurface

LONDON — European markets are set to open marginally lower on Friday morning as British and European leaders strike pessimistic tones about the prospect of agreeing to a post-Brexit trade deal.Britain's FTSE 100 is seen around 12 points lower at 6,539, Germany's DAX is set to slip around 11 points lower to 13,656 and France's CAC 40 is expected to shed around 17 points to open at 5,532, according to IG data.British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday that talks were in a "serious situation" and a deal is unlikely unless the EU is willing to alter its position on fisheries, a long-standing spanner in the works.The remarks came following a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who also said reaching an accord would now be "very challenging" with two weeks remaining until the U.K. exits the EU's orbit.European stocks are set for a mixed handover from Asia-Pacific, where investors are reacting to the Bank of Japan's announcement a six-month extension of its special program aimed at easing corporate financing pressures amid the coronavirus pandemic. The yield target on the 10-year Japan government bond was set at around 0%, while the short-term interest target was set to