By Investors Hub
European stocks have turned mixed over the course of the session. While the German DAX Index has fallen by 0.5 percent, the U.K.?s FTSE 100 Index is just above the unchanged line and the French CAC 40 Index is up by 0.4 percent.
Traders also digesting the European Central Bank?s latest monetary policy decision, with the ECB leaving rates unchanged, as widely expected.
The ECB?s accompanying statement removed a phrase indicating a willingness to increase its asset purchase program if necessary.
?The change is arguably the ECB?s first cautious step along a path of gradual policy normalization, which explains the immediate rise in the euro,? said Jennifer McKeown, Chief European Economist at Capital Economics.
She added, ?But it won?t have come as a complete surprise given the ECB?s earlier warning that it would ?revisit? its forward guidance early this year.?
Akzo Nobel has rallied after the Dutch paints and coatings maker reconfirmed its 2020 guidance despite rising raw material costs and adverse currency effects.
Engie, formerly called GDF Suez, has also jumped in Paris. The natural gas and electricity supplier reported net income for fiscal year 2017 of 1.4 billion euros, compared to a net loss of 0.4 billion euros in the previous year.
Evotec shares have soared after the company entered into exclusive negotiations with Sanofi to accelerate infectious disease research and development through a new open innovation platform.
Meanwhile, insurer Aviva has moved to the downside despite reporting a 2 percent increase in full-year operating profits and enhancing its dividend payment.
French supermarket giant Groupe Casino has also slumped after its full-year net profit fell to 120 million euros from 2.68 billion euros.
Merck KgaA has tumbled after the German chemicals and drugs maker reported a 6.5 percent drop in fourth quarter EBITDA earnings and said it expects a further decline in 2018 earnings on a currency adjusted basis.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya