European stocks rose slightly , extending its two-day series , as investors awaited the statement from the Federal Reserve System. U.S. index futures were little changed , while Asian shares fell .

Note that today completed the first session of the U.S. Federal Reserve under the leadership of its new Chairman Janet Yellen . According to many forecasts , the March meeting should not bring surprises. Most investors and market participants are prepared for the next announcement of reductions of asset purchases by the U.S. Federal Reserve. It is expected that the Fed will lower the amount of incentive programs by $ 10 billion Thus , the total amount of monthly purchases of assets drop from $ 65 billion to $ 55 billion

In favor of further reducing incentives say the comments by officials of the Federal Open Market Committee , which have been made in advance of the two-day meeting . Fed satisfied with the current state of the U.S. economy. Moreover, Yellen hinted that will stay the course to reduce incentives.

Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.1 percent . Sensor decreased by 2.9 percent this month amid confrontation between Russia and the West over the Crimea.

Cost Inditex rose 4 percent after the owner of the Zara chain stores reported that the results of 2013 profit was 2.38 billion euros ($ 3310 million ) , compared with the average analyst forecast at 2.39 billion euros . The Spanish company also noted that net profit was in the amount of 703 million euros, compared with estimates at around 716.6 million euros.

Brenntag shares rose 1.5 percent , following a statement that will be invited to a stock split at the annual general meeting to be held on June 17. The world's largest distributor of chemicals also recommended a dividend of 2.60 euros per share, beating estimates at 2.40 euros.

Cost HeidelbergCement AG dropped 2.3 percent after saying its net debt by December 31, 2013 rose to 7.5 billion euros. The average analyst estimate was at 7.2 billion euros. We also add that the third -largest cement producer, forecast an increase in sales and operating profit in 2014.

At the current moment

FTSE 100 6,596.2 -9.08 -0.14%

CAC 40 4,314.08 +0.82 +0.02 %

DAX 9,279.72 +37.17 +0.40%