European stocks retreated after yesterday's rally most of the past month, as investors await data on the manufacturing index of the Institute for Supply Management U.S. in August. Also waiting for data on construction spending in the U.S..

International rating agency Moody's Investors Service affirmed the long-term rating of the European Union at the level of Aaa by changing the rating outlook from "stable" to "negative." In addition to "negative" outlook changed program-term bonds with a preliminary estimate of AAA. Such information is contained in the relevant report of the agency.

To date:

FTSE 100 5,715.07 -43.34 -0.75%

CAC 40 3,440.61 -13.10 -0.38%

DAX 7,004.87 -9.96 -0.14%  

Vodafone Group Plc shares were down 1.3%, after Sanford C. Bernstein & Co. downgraded the operator. Royal Ahold NV gained 3% on rumors that it may sell its 60 percent stake in Scandinavian ICA, perhaps through an initial public offering.