European stock markets mid session: stocks decreased after the weaker-than-expected data from France

Stock indices decreased after the weaker-than-expected data from France. French industrial production declined 1.7% in May, missing expectations for a 0.5% rise, after a 0.3% gain in April.

On a yearly basis, French industrial production fell 3.7% in May, after a 2.0% drop in April.

French consumer price index remained flat in June, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise. On a yearly basis, French consumer price index increased 0.6% in June, after a 0.7% gain in May.

Stock markets were also driven by yesterday's Fed's monetary policy meeting minutes. Markets participants were disappointed because there was no information on when the Fed could start to raise its interest rate. The Fed could keep interest rate at low level for a longer period.

Fed policymakers agreed to end the Fed's bond-buying programme in October.

The Fed said that the economy is continuing to improve. But there are different views over the outlook for inflation.

The central bank added that U.S. consumer prices should increase and the labour market tighten before it will start to raise its interest rate.

Gerresheimer AG shares jumped 5.8% after reporting better-than-expected quarterly earnings.

DNB ASA shares declined 4.5% after the company's second quarter net income missed analysts' forecasts.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,660.5 -57.54 -0.86%

DAX 9,653.77 -154.43 -1.57%

CAC 40 4,289.01 -70.83 -1.62%