European Shares look weak as Oil rises Again

European shares are expected to follow Asia into the red at Thursday's open, as higher crude oil prices continue to dictate market direction.

Asian stocks were weighed down by worries that a surge in oil prices could exacerbate inflation pressures in the region and cripple economic growth.

Brent crude was back above $ 116 a barrel, while U.S. crude traded at more than $104 a barrel after Libyan leader Gaddafi bombed oil facilities in the eastern part of the country.