Brent crude traded little changed around $91 per barrel amid the resumption of armed hostilities between the US and Iran and after Wednesday's price surge, according to Commerzbank Research in a note.
The Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged on Wednesday initially buoyed markets, but the relief was short-lived, according to Commerzbank. Treasury yields bear-steepened, with the 30-year yield surpassing 5.23%, its highest level in nearly two decades.
The Fed statement reaffirmed that inflation remains elevated, while solid economic growth and steady job gains continue to support the labor market. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh described the US economy as "impressively resilient". Warsh characterized policy as one of "watchful thinking," noting that persistently high inflation could necessitate higher interest rates.
US equities ended sharply lower Wednesday, triggering a sell-off across Asian markets. However, US equity futures have since recovered, while a weaker US dollar pushed EUR/USD above 1.145, added Commerzbank.
China criticised recent US measures targeting power inverters and robotics as discriminatory and pledged to protect its interests.
In Europe, Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham declined to commit to raising the country's defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2030. France's second-quarter GDP increased 0.2% quarter over quarter, as expected, said the bank.