European stocks closed lower

05.04.2017

Stock indexes of most countries in Western Europe rose on Tuesday. At the same time, the British indicator rose for the first time in four sessions.

The consolidated index of the largest companies of the Stoxx Europe 600 region rose 0.2% to 380.03.

The British FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, the French CAC 40 added 0.3%, and the German DAX rose 0.2%.

Support for the British stock market on Tuesday came from a weakening pound sterling, which is a positive factor for companies focused on exports. The pound to the dollar fell 0.5%, and GBP/EUR fell 0.4%.

The value of the Rolls-Royce (LON: RR) Holdings shares increased by 2.1%, AstraZeneca (LON: AZN) rose 1.3%, and British American Tobacco (LON: BATS) added 0.7%.

Shares of companies involved in precious metal production rose in price after a growth in gold and silver prices.

Shares of Randgold Resources rose in price by 1.6%, and Fresnillo (LON: FRES) rose 2.8%.

Meanwhile, quotes of European automakers’ share price dropped on Tuesday on information about the decline in car sales in the US last month. According to Autodata Corp, sales of cars in the US in March fell 1.6% to 1.56 million.

The price of Peugeot dropped 1%, BMW fell 1.6%, and Renault fell 1.5%.

The price of Seadrill Ltd, which provides oilfield services, collapsed 38%. The company warned that its shareholders and bondholders could incur large losses as part of a new debt restructuring process.

Shares of British supermarket chains fell on data on the increase in the shares of German retailers Aldi and Lidl in the UK market to a record level.

The value of J Sainsbury (LON: SBRY) fell 2.2%, and Wm. Morrison Supermarkets fell 2.9%.

Capitalization of the Danish jewelry company Pandora A/S fell 2.8%. Since the beginning of the year, shares have fallen in price by 20%.

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