Market Update
European stock markets reversed opening gains and swung lower Thursday.
The FTSE was down 0.2%. The CAC 40 Paris fell 0.5% while the German DAX gave up 0.6%.
Data showed industrial production fell more-than-expected in France and in Italy.
The Bank of England is due to announce its interest rate decision shortly with expectations for the apex bank to stick to its existing benchmark rate of 0.5%.
Greece's first bond sale since 2010 is set to raise 3 billion euros, according to reports.
Earlier Thursday, China released data showing exports fell unexpectedly in March, marking the first time exports have fallen for the second straight month since 2009. Imports also fell sharply.
Stocks on the Move
RBS edged up 0.3% while Barclays slipped 0.1%.
Centrica PLC fell 1.2%.
Retailers across the region traded mixed after providing sales updates.
Marks & Spencer was down 1.4% after rising over 2% in opening trade. The retailer posted a 1.9% increase in fourth-quarter sales.
LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA was up 3.5% after the company posted a 6% rise in first-quarter sales.
Gucci parent Kering SA was up about 2% but Carrefour was down a percent. Carrefour said its first-quarter revenue fell nearly 4%.