By Investors Hub
European stocks are turning in another mixed performance on the day. While the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index has edged down by 0.1 percent, the German DAX Index is just above the unchanged line and the French CAC 40 Index is up by 0.8 percent.
Attention remained largely focused on the upcoming French vote this weekend, with various polls showing a four-way race that is too close to call. Millions of French voters are still undecided, making it one of the most unpredictable elections in decades.
Swiss engineering firm ABB has rallied after saying it expects 2017 to be a transitional year. French electrical component maker Schneider Electric has also jumped after reporting first quarter revenues of 5.84 billion euros, up 3.1 percent organically.
Advertising and communications company Publicis Groupe has advanced after the company reported a drop in underlying revenue in the first quarter, but said it expects Q2 to show an improvement.
Man Group has climbed over 5 percent in London after the hedge fund manager reported a 10 percent jump in funds under management for the first quarter.
Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever is also moving to the upside after its first-quarter sales topped expectations.
On the flip side, shares of Debenhams fell as much as 5 percent. The department store group has unveiled plans to close up to 10 stores and exit some international markets as part of efforts to cut costs and keep up with changing consumer behaviour.
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