LIVE MARKETS-Software breathes, miners slump, banks mixed

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SOFTWARE BREATHES, MINERS SLUMP, BANKS MIXED

European shares slipped in early trading on Thursday as miners pulled back on tumbling metal prices, more than offseting a tentative bounce in stocks beaten down by this week's 'Software-mageddon' battering and mixed bank results.

The STOXX 600 .STOXX regional index and London's FTSE 100 .FTSE eased by around 0.4% after both notching record closes on Wednesday. Defence .SXPARO was another weak spot, following a disappointing forecast from Rheinmetall RHMG.DE.

LSEG LSEG.L and RELX REL.L gained, in a sign the AI rout that hammered software, data and professional services was easing. SAP SAPG.DE, Europe's No. 1 software maker, rose 3%.

In banks, France's BNP Paribas BNPP.PA was higher, while Spain's BBVA BBVA.MC fell following earnings releases.

Later on, the focus turns to the European Central Bank and the Bank of England, both expected to stand pat on rates.

(Danilo Masoni)

EARLIER ON LIVE MARKETS:

BEFORE THE BELL: CENTRAL BANK DAY IN EUROPE, EARNINGS RUMBLE ON CLICK HERE

SKITTISH INVESTORS HAUNTED BY TECH SELL-OFF CLICK HERE