Marks Makes No Sparks But Treasury Wine Bubbles on Bid News

European stock indices edge lower, led by U.K. shares amid disappointing earnings reports and accelerating consumer price growth. Fund manager pressure mounts on the board of Britain’s No. 2 drugs maker AstraZeneca to entertain a thrice-sweetened $117 billion bid from pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer following a statement from Schroders, while FTSE 100 stalwarts Vodafone Group, the telecom, and variety-store retailer Marks & Spencer both decline after reporting full-year earnings figures. Vodafone says investment will rein in profit in the current year and Marks & Spencer fails to wow shareholders with upbeat commentary on the margin outlook.