Major stock indices in Europe show gains

Siemens Shares rose 3.5% as the German industrial company improved its full-year profit forecast for the second time this year.

BIC shares increased by 5.9%, as the manufacturer of stationery and shaver confirmed the financial forecast for 2016.

The market value of British insurer Aviva Plc rose 3.6% after the announcement of the company's profit growth in the 1st half of the year. In addition, Aviva raised its interim dividend.

The stock price of another British insurance company - RSA Insurance Group Plc - rose by 2.6%. Its results for the January-June exceeded own forecasts, RSA Insurance expects that 2016 will be a "year of great progress."

The price of Hikma Pharmaceuticals fell by 13% due to the expected decline in annual profit in the division for the production of generic drugs.

Shares of Merck fell 2.9% in Frankfurt trading, while the chemical and pharmaceutical group raised its revenue forecast for 2016 to 14,8-15 billion euro to 14,9-15,1 billion euros, as well as improved the estimate of profit. Merck adjusted earnings in the 2nd quarter jumped 19% to 1.55 euros per share, with a consensus forecast of 1.52 euros per share.

Nokia's shares have fallen by 4.9% after the network equipment maker reported a profit in the second quarter, lower than expected, and a drop in sales by 11% in annual terms.

At the moment:

FTSE 6642.36 7.96 0.12%

DAX 10251.03 80.82 0.79%

CAC 4337.26 16.18 0.37%