European stocks at 1-month low on US worries

(Reuters) - European stocks fell across-the-board in early trade on Wednesday, tracking sharp losses on Wall Street, as equities were hit by renewed worries about the U.S. economy, while some earnings also disappointed.

By 0715 GMT, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was down 0.3 percent at 1,581.6 after falling to its lowest since June 27. The index lost 1.5 percent on Tuesday.


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European stocks higher on M&A, upbeat Compass leads

(Reuters) - European shares rose on Thursday as M&A activity helped investors overcome worries about the U.S. economy, while Compass, the world's biggest caterer, led gainers after a strong trading statement.

At 0823 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index was up 0.6 percent. Germany's DAX, France's CAC 40 and Britain's FTSE 100 gained between 0.6 and 0.7 percent.


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European stocks slip as company updates disappoint

European shares retreated on Tuesday from six-year highs hit in the previous session, hurt by disappointing updates from firms including Cadbury Schweppes and Carlsberg.

Energy stocks also crowded the losers list, with Total and BP both down 0.5 percent as London Brent crude extended losses, down 0.5 percent at below $58 a barrel.

By 1225 GMT, the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index was 0.3 percent weaker at 1,545.1, easing from a six-year high of 1,552.6 struck on Monday.

The benchmark index is up about 4 percent so far this year, boosted by mostly stronger-than-expected results in recent weeks and mergers and acquisitions.

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European shares fall as earnings offset M&A

European shares fell from six-year peaks on Tuesday after disappointing updates from Cadbury Schweppes and Scottish & Newcastle offset takeover talk in the music and building materials sectors.

Energy stocks also weighed as oil slid 1.3 percent, pressured by the looming end of winter oil demand in the biggest consumer, the United States.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was 0.2 percent lower at 1,547.36 points by 0930 GMT, retreating from a fresh six-year peak of 1,552.59 points set on Monday.

The benchmark index has gained nearly 2.4 percent since the start of the month, and around 4.5 percent since the start of the year, supported by generally better-than-expected economic data and earnings growth, and by mergers and acquisitions.

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European shares open firmer, Daimler in focus

European shares opened firmer after strong performance in Japanese shares, and amid a slew of corporate news, while U.S. and several Asian markets are closed Monday.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst index of 300 leading shares rose 0.18 percent by 0802 GMT to 1,546.77 points.

London's FTSE 100 was up 0.3 percent, the French CAC 40 rose 2 percent and Germany's DAX gained 0.4 percent.

DaimlerChrysler shares rose 3.2 percent on news it was in talks with General Motors over the future of its ailing U.S. unit Chrysler.

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European stocks gain as oil inches up, G7 in focus

European share prices rose in early trade on Friday on the back of a string of corporate news and higher oil prices, while investors eyed the Group of Seven finance ministers meeting in Germany.

A 2.2-percent rise in DaimlerChrysler shares pushed up the DJ Stoxx European auto sector index after Citigroup upgraded the shares to a "buy" from a "hold".

The pan-European FTSEurofirst index of 300 leading shares rose 0.5 percent to 1,542.74 points by 0853 GMT.

London's FTSE 100 gained 0.7 percent and the French CAC 40 and Germany's DAX rose 0.6 percent

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European shares lifted by Peugeot, Billiton

European shares rose slightly in early trade on Wednesday, extending Tuesday's gains, lifted by French car maker Peugeot and mining giant BHP Billiton.

Among major movers, PSA Peugeot Citroen rose 2.8 percent after posting a smaller decline in its 2006 consolidated operating margin than analysts had forecast.

Also on the upside, shares in BHP Billiton, the world's biggest miner, rose 4.5 percent after setting an extra $10 billion in share buybacks.

By 0929 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of leading European shares was up 0.1 percent at 1,545.12 after closing 0.3 percent up at 1,543.08 points on Tuesday.

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