Asia Data Sends European Stock Indices Lower; Sika Slumps on Bid Mayhem

Negative news on the economy from Asia weighs on European stock indices, dampening the euphoria generated on Friday by strong U.S. jobs figures. The bad news includes an unexpected decline in Chinese imports in November and a below-forecast rise in exports; along with a revision downwards of the weak Japanese GDP figures for the third quarter that had prompted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to call snap elections. In Europe empire-building by French buildings materials maker Saint-Gobain prompts a revolt among management at Swiss target Sika but in Oslo Seadrill bucks the negative trend after share buying by its billionaire chairman.