Main European indexes closed in negative territory on Thursday, with the STOXX Europe 600 losing 0.21%. Other indexes also suffered losses. The DAX and the CAC shed 0.52% and 0.57% respectively. The FTSE 100 fell by 0.47%, the FTSE MIB decreased by 0.59%, and the IBEX 35 declined by 0.17%
Investors are continuing to digest the FOMC March meeting minutes, which were published on Wednesday. The regulator is planning to increase the interest rate further, as well as reduce the balance sheet by $95 billion per month. As a result, major US indexes went down for the second straight trading day, with European indexes following suit. The Fed's position could likely influence the ECB's policy decision, which is also planning to hike interest rates.
Market players are also wary about the situation in Ukraine. Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have failed to produce a breakthrough, despite early reports.
According to recent data, retail sales in the Eurozone have increased by 0.3% in February month-over-month, falling short of the projected 0.5% increase. Year-over-year, retail sales rose by 5%, surpassing the forecasted 4.8% increase.
On the STOXX Europe 600, the worst-performing stocks were Countryside Properties (-14.6%), Delivery Hero (5.2%), and REIT-AG (5%).
Shares of Gerresheimer AG and Ambu AS increased by 5.4%.
Atlantia S.p.A. stock gained 6.9% on the news about Blackstone Group Inc. and the Benetton family potentially acquiring the holding company. The Benetton family already owns a 33% stake in Atlantia.
Shares of Frontline Ltd. and Euronav NV were mixed after both companies had announced a merger. Frontline Ltd. lost 6.5%, while Euronav gained 4.6%.
Shell lost 2.1% following reports that the company would lose assets worth $4-5 billion as a result of suspending operations in Russia.
