BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks traded mixed on
Wednesday ahead of the euro-zone consumer and economic sentiment data for March
due out later in the day, and the all-important U.S. personal expenditure
consumption data on Friday.

The release of the U.S. Federal Reserve's favored inflation indicator along with
public comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Friday are expected to provide
additional clues on the Fed's rate trajectory.

Meanwhile, France's consumer confidence unexpectedly improved slightly in March,
monthly survey data from the statistical office INSEE showed earlier today.

The consumer sentiment index rose to 91 from 90 in the previous month.
Economists had expected the score to remain stable at 90.

Spain's consumer prices posted a faster growth in March reflecting increase in
electricity and fuel prices, flash data from the statistical office INE showed.

The consumer price index advanced 3.2 percent on a yearly basis, following
February's 2.8 percent rise. The rate came in line with expectations.

France and Italy will publish their inflation figures on Friday, while German
and euro area-wide data is due next week.

The pan European STOXX 600 was marginally lower at 510.97 after rising 0.2
percent to a record high in the previous session.

The German DAX rose 0.2 percent, while France's CAC 40 edged down marginally and
the U.K.'s FTSE 100 dipped 0.3 percent.

H&M shares were up more than 13 percent as the world's second-largest listed
fashion retailer beat first-quarter operating profit expectations.

Assa Abloy AB fell nearly 1 percent. The Swedish manufacturing conglomerate
announced that it has signed a deal to acquire Nomadix and Global Reach, the
U.S. and UK-based providers of Wi-Fi access and engagement platform solutions
for the hospitality and commercial real estate industry.

BP Plc fell 1.6 percent and Shell dropped 1.1 percent in London as crude prices
fell for a second day running on industry data showing rising U.S. crude
inventories.

DS Smith shares soared 7 percent. Responding to media speculation, the paper and
packaging company confirmed that it is in discussions with International Paper
for an all-stock offer deal valued at 5.72 billion pounds ($7.22 billion).

CRH gained about 1 percent. The provider of building materials said that it has
completed the second phase of the divestment of its lime operations in Europe,
including the UK.



Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved

Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX