Major stock indices in Europe moderately lower

European stocks traded in the red zone, but remain near the seven-week high. The pressure on the indices was put by a decrease in shares of utility companies and energy producers, as well as the negative dynamics of oil market.

Oil dropped by about the percentage in response to data on the petroleum products from the American Petroleum Institute (API). Recall, this week crude oil inventories rose by 2.09 million barrels of crude oil.

Investors' attention is also focused on corporate reporting. In Europe, 59% of companies from the Stoxx Europe 600 Index recorded a better-than-expected profit. However, the average earnings per share fell by 9% (7% excluding oil and gas company). 51% of European companies have exceeded forecasts of revenue, which on average has decreased by 3% (and not changed, excluding utilities).

Euro Stoxx 600 fell 0.2 percent. The volume ois about a third lower than the average for the last 30 days.

Shares of Prudential Plc - a British insurance company - rose by 1.5 percent after reports that first-half profit exceeded analysts' expectations.

Quotes of Belgian Ageas SA climbed 3.9 percent as profits were more than forecast.

G4S Plc rose 15 percent after the statements on increasing revenues and maintaining its dividend.

EON SE shares fell 5.7 per cent against the background of a net loss in the 1st half of the year. The loss has been associated with the depreciation of the assets associated with the production and storage of gas.

Capitalization of Novozymes A / S fell 8.5 percent as the profit was below estimates. In addition, the company worsened its forecast for sales.

Shares of Entertainment One Ltd. rose 5.2 percent after the company rejected a takeover bid.

At the moment:

FTSE 100 6837.02 -14.28 -0.21%

DAX -49.70 10643.20 -0.46%

CAC 40 4453.66 -14.41 -0.32%