Monday saw gains from European markets early in the day. However, some gains were erased by close of play helped by poor trading in the US and anticipation of earnings news. In Paris, the CAC 40 closed up almost 1%. The Xetra Dax in Frankfurt fell slightly.
Trading on Tuesday was boosted with positive earnings news from the US. In the US the Consumer Price Index data released was positive although it did not quite reach the levels expected. Conversely, the March Industrial Production figures rose more than expected. In Paris, the CAC 40 closed up over 1%. The Xetra Dax rose higher, by almost 2%.
Wednesday was fairly flat for European markets, despite the UK Chancellor, Gordon Brown, introducing a new tax on North Sea oil. Rises were seen in the technology and telecommunications sector but the Xetra Dax fell slightly. The CAC 40 closed at the level it started.
Thursday saw the poor earnings news from Nokia affect European markets. Despite losses in the technology and telecommunications sectors, banking and oil stock gains offset some of the losses. However, the gains made were not enough to prop the markets up. In Paris, the CAC 40 fell slightly but the Xetra DAX fared worse, falling almost 1%.
Friday saw another flat day's trading. Gains were seen from the banking and insurance sectors but not enough to keep Xetra DAX in the black. It fell slightly whereas the CAC 40 in Paris gained almost 0.5%.