
European shares dropped in early trade on Thursday following data showing a slide in China's factory activity and in France's service sector, Reuters reported. China's flash Markit/HSBC Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to a seven-month low of 48.3 in February from January's final reading of 49.5, sparking a sell-off in Asian shares. A reading below 50 indicates a contraction while one above shows expansion. France's service sector shrank the most in nine months in February, with Markit's index for the sector falling to 46.9 from 48.9 in January, well under economists' average expectations for an increase to 49.4. Investors also awaited manufacturing data for Germany and the euro zone as a whole. At 0807 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was down 1 percent at 1,325.53 points. Investors were also rattled by minutes of the U.S. Federal Reserve's latest policy-setting meeting, which indicated that the central bank will keep trimming its bond-buying stimulus unless there is a significant economic surprise. The minutes triggered a late sell-off on Wall Street on Wednesday. On the earnings front, Randstad dropped 8 percent after the Dutch staffing firm reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter results, hurt by currency effects and marketing costs.
GMT 19:47 2018 Saturday ,06 January
Global stocks extend rally; London hits record peakGMT 19:22 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Worldwide stocks start year on a highGMT 10:37 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Asian markets build on gains, dollar faces further weaknessGMT 17:30 2017 Sunday ,31 December
London stocks end year on record highGMT 18:04 2017 Thursday ,28 December
Miners boost stocks in thin holiday tradingGMT 18:51 2017 Monday ,25 December
Oman’s share index falls on lack of buying supportGMT 08:49 2017 Sunday ,24 December
'Virtual gold' may glitter, but mining it can be really dirtyGMT 17:45 2017 Saturday ,23 December
Madrid stocks sink on Catalan woes; London hits record
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor