Europe opens mostly lower as traders prepare for data
Most European stock exchanges were lower to begin trading on Thursday with the final data on euro area first quarter GDP set to be published at 11 am CET. The previous two estimates put quarterly economic growth at 0.1% and a revision in the upcoming report could affect the European Central Bank's interest rate decision next week.
The DAX was flat at 9:03 am CET. London's FTSE 100 increased 0.17% at 9:00 am CET with best performer Natwest up 1.31% at 9:01 am CET. The CAC 40 declined 0.22% at 9:01 am CET. Capgemini led the losses, decreasing by 1.91%. The EURO STOXX 50 lost 0.18% at 9:00 am CET with Hermes International down 1.78% at 9:02 am CET.
The euro was 0.10% higher compared to the dollar, selling at 1.07114 at 8:59 am CET. The British pound increased by 0.11% against the greenback, going for 1.24506 at the same time.