European shares fell on Tuesday on uncertainty ahead of elections in the Netherlands and a U.S. interest rate decision later in the week.
After four days of gains, the pan-European STOXX 600 index eased 0.2% by 0824 GMT, weighed down by banks and basic resources stocks.
Earnings were the main drivers behind stock moves, with shares in German fragrance and flavor firm Symrise declining 2.1% after reporting disappointing results.
German utility RWE was the biggest STOXX gainer, however, jumping nearly 7% after saying that it might cut its stake in networks and renewables unit Innogy to 51%. It did not comment on a report that France's Engie was considering a bid for the company.
Innogy's shares also rose 4.6%.
Britain's FTSE 100 index outperformed, however, gaining 0.2% as sterling hit an 8-week low after British Prime Minister Theresa May won the right to trigger divorce proceedings with the European Union. (Reuters)
Source: www.businessworld.ie
