European Markets Fall Before ECB Rates Meeting; Consumer Companies Offer Hope

European stock indices retreat ahead of the European Central Bank’s monetary policy meeting with disappointing German manufacturing data underlining the region’s economic weakness. The outcome of the meeting will follow news that, as expected, the Bank of England is keeping rates at their historic low 0.5%. Investors mark up British food retailer Morrisons and Germany’s sporting goods maker Adidas on signs the companies’ turnaround efforts are bearing fruit. Nivea maker Beiersdorf also fares well following reassuring commentary accompanying an earnings update but in London Cable & Wireless Communications declines on news of a major acquisition. Laura Board reports from The Deal's London newsroom.