BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks traded mixed on
Thursday as uncertainty over Fed rate cuts deepened, and Israel forces pushed
ahead with attacks on Rafah.

Traders also awaited the outcome of a Bank of England (BoE) policy meeting later
in the day for further direction.

The central bank is set to hold its policy rate flat for a sixth meeting in a
row, with focus likely to be on the MPC vote split, inflation outlook and
Governor Andrew Bailey's comments.

The pan European STOXX 600 was marginally lower at 515.35 after rising 0.3
percent on Wednesday.

The German DAX edged up 0.3 percent, while France's CAC 40 slipped 0.1 percent
and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was little changed.

In corporate news, Spanish bank Sabadell jumped 3 percent after rival BBVA
presented a 12.23 billion euro ($13.11 billion) hostile takeover offer directly
to its shareholders. BBVA shares plunged 6 percent.

Italian payments group Nexi surged 6 percent after delivering
better-than-expected first-quarter results and launching a share buyback
program.

Oil & gas stocks traded higher as crude prices extended overnight gains on
positive trade data from China. BP Plc climbed 0.8 percent and Shell added half
a percent.

Oil services company John Wood Group added about 1 percent after confirming its
FY24 and FY25 guidance.

ITV rallied 1.8 percent despite the broadcaster reporting a fall in
first-quarter revenues.

BAE Systems rose 0.7 percent. The arms, security and aerospace company backed
its FY24 outlook after delivering a strong performance so far this year.

China-related luxury goods makers traded lower in Paris despite Chinese imports
surging past estimates and exports rising in line with expectations in April.

LVMH, Kering and Hermes all were down around 1 percent.



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