European stocks dropped significantly , continuing its decline yesterday , as market participants are waiting for statements by heads of the Central Bank at the World Economic Forum. Futures on U.S. stock indexes and Asian shares also fell .

Little impact on the bidding had Britain report , which showed that the number of approved applications for mortgage loans rose in December to a level of 46,521 units, compared with a revised figure for November at 45,394 units. It is worth noting that, according to the average forecast of experts for this indicator would grow to reach 47.2 thousand to 45.0 thousand , which was originally reported last month .

Furthermore, it became known that the volume of new mortgage loans in December was 38 percent higher than in the same month in 2012 , and the total amount of loans approved last year was higher than in any year since 2008 .

"The latest data provide further evidence of more active housing market , fueled by growing consumer confidence and public support for the scheme , such as help for buying ," said the head of the statistical department BBA David Dooks .

Stoxx 600 index fell 0.6 percent , increasing weekly decline to 1.5 percent . We add that the sensor increased by 0.8 percent this year , as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund raised its growth forecasts for the world economy.

Novartis shares fell 1.4 percent, after it became known that the pharmaceutical company will seek a replacement drug for the treatment of acute heart failure , as their drug Serelaxin not been approved by the European Medicines Agency Committee for Medicinal Products .

Cost Syngenta AG decreased by 3.1 percent , against the background of the two groups were asked to grain chemical manufacturer to stop selling two types of genetically modified corn seed in the U.S. that have not been approved in China.

Celesio shares rose 5.4 percent as the company McKesson - the largest distributor of drugs in the U.S. , said it will acquire Celesio just 10 days after a failed tender offer.

At the current moment

FTSE 100 6,699.02 -74.26 -1.10 %

CAC 40 4,216.96 -64.00 -1.49 %

DAX 9,521 -110.04 -1.14%