Most stock
indices traded lower due to the weak German retail sales and speculations over
further stimulus measures from the European Central Bank.
The German adjusted
retail sales dropped 0.9% in April, after a 0.7% decline in March. Analysts had
expected a 0.4% rise.
The
unadjusted retail sales in Germany climbed 3.4% in April, after a decrease of
1.9% in March.
Societe
Generale SA shares decreased 2.3% after its Russian unit posted a drop in
first-quarter profit.
BNP Paribas
SA shares declined 5.1% due to the company may be forced to pay a penalty
exceeding $10 billion in the U.S.
Current
figures:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE
100 6,860.87 -10.42 -0.15%
DAX 9,940.58 +1.68 +0.02%
CAC 40 4,501.89 -28.62 -0.63%