LIVE MARKETS-Europe before the bell: stocks shrug off hefty news flow

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EUROPE BEFORE THE BELL: STOCKS SHRUG OFF HEFTY NEWS FLOW

There's a fair amount going on for markets on Wednesday, though whether any of it is going to have much effect on prices remains to be seen - the much discussed U.S.-China tariff talks haven't really.

European share futures are a bit lower, with Euro Stoxx 50 and FTSE 100 futures each down nearly 0.2%. STXEc1, FFIc1

If British stocks perk up, the FTSE 100 isn't far from passing March's peak to a fresh all time high. Should it get there, expect some efforts to link it to British finance minister Rachel Reeves' announcement of day-to-day budgets for government departments and investment plans, due early afternoon in London.

Not long after that - or at the same time if Reeves is wordy - comes U.S. CPI for May. Relatively cheaper gasoline should have helped keep price rises under control, but investors will be looking past that for any effect of the Trump administration's tariffs on imported goods.

In terms of specific company news to watch, Zara owner Inditex ITX.MC missed expectations for first-quarter sales and the start of summer trading, heightening doubts over the fast-fashion retailer's ability to deliver strong sales growth in an uncertain economic environment.

Back in Britain, U.S. private equity firm KKR KKR.N and Assura AGRP.L have agreed on the terms of a "best and final" offer for the British healthcare real estate investor's sale, valuing it at nearly 1.7 billion pounds ($2.29 billion), the companies said on Wednesday.

(Alun John)

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