French Market Declines After Data

(RTTNews) - The French market is trading lower on Thursday, after weak economic data from the region dampened investor sentiment, amid lingering geo-political concerns.

Data showed that German economy contracted more-than-expected in the second quarter on weaker exports and investment, while France stagnated for the second straight time, forcing the government to discard its 2014 deficit target.

Meanwhile, Eurozone inflation slowed as initially estimated in July to the lowest since late 2009, final figures from Eurostat showed.

The Euro Stoxx 50 index of eurozone bluechip stocks is losing 0.69 percent, while the Stoxx Europe 50 index, which includes some major U.K. companies, is falling 0.18 percent.

The CAC 40 index is currently falling 0.46 percent.

Alcatel Lucent is falling 2 percent and Kering is losing 1.3 percent. Goldman Sachs cut Kering to ''Neutral'' from ''Sell.''

Goldman Sachs reduced its rating on LVMH to ''Neutral" from "Buy.'' The stock is down 1 percent.

BNP Paribas and Societe Generale are falling around 1 percent each.

Meanwhile, EDF is gaining 2.3 percent and Lafarge is up 1.3 percent.

Most other major markets in the region are falling.

The Asian stocks ended mixed after three days of gains.

In the U.S., futures point to a lower open on Wall Street. In the previous session, stocks rose notably overnight despite a weaker-than-expected report on retail sales and some disappointing earnings reports. The Dow rose 0.6 percent, the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained a percent and the S&P 500 advanced 0.7 percent.

Crude for September delivery is falling $0.22 to $97.37 per barrel, while gold is adding $2.2 to $1316.7 a troy ounce.