European stock markets mid session: stocks traded mixed ahead of the release of U.S. nonfarm payrolls

European stocks traded mixed ahead of the release of U.S. nonfarm payrolls. Analysts expect that the unemployment rate should decrease to 6.6% in April from 6.7% in March and 211,000 jobs should be added in April.

Market participants were disappointed by Spain’s manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI). The index dropped to 52.7 in April from 52.8 in March. Analysts expected an increase to 53.4. But Eurozone’s PMI was higher. The index climbed to 53.4 in April from 53.0 in March (forecast: 53.3). Eurozone’s unemployment decreased slightly in March. The unemployment rate dropped to 11.8% from 11.9% in February (forecast: 11.9%).

Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc shares increased 9.1% after announcing the better-than-expected quarter earnings. Company’ net income tripled in the first quarter of the year.

InterContinental Hotels Group Plc was higher 7.5% after announcing the growth of 6% in the first quarter.

Current figures:

Name                                   Price                                    Change                 Change %

FTSE 100                              6,815.16                              +6.29                     +0.09%

DAX                                      9,590                                    -13.23                     -0.14%

CAC 40                                 4,466.99                              -20.40                     -0.45%