European stock markets mid session: stocks traded mixed on speculation the U.S. GDP will be stronger in the second quarter and due to increased mergers-and-acquisitions activity

Stock indices traded mixed on speculation the U.S. GDP will be stronger in the second quarter and due to increased mergers-and-acquisitions activity.

The U.S. GDP dropped 2.9% in the first quarter, missing expectations for a 1.7% decline, after a 1.0% decline the previous quarter. That was the worst performance in five years.

The weak U.S. economic growth in the first quarter was driven by the cold winter in the U.S. Investors speculate that the economic activity in the U.S. will show a solid growth in the second quarter.

Market participants also expect the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates unchanged for a longer period.

London Stock Exchange Group Plc agreed to buy Frank Russell Co. for $2.7 billion.

London Stock Exchange Group Plc shares increased 7.0% after agreeing to acquire Frank Russell Co.

Fresenius Medical Care AG climbed 3.3% after Credit Suisse Group AG raised the company's rating on the stock.

Barclays Plc shares dropped 5.2% after the Attorney General filed a securities fraud lawsuit in New York. The bank is accused of falsifying marketing materials to hide how much high-frequency traders were buying and selling.

Standard Chartered Plc slipped 5% after reporting its first-half operating profit could drop 20%.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,738.37 +4.75 +0.07%

DAX 9,859.32 -8.43 -0.09%

CAC 40 4,459.32 -1.28 -0.03%