European stocks edged ahead at the open on Thursday as investors waited for the European Central Bank policy meeting later in the day and digested a slew of corporate earnings.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was up 0.07 in early trade with regional bourses mixed.
Wall Street closed in subdued mood as gains in Microsoft and Google parent Alphabet on the Nasdaq were offset by declines on the S&P 500.
In equity news, shares in Anheuser-Busch InBev rose to the top of the index as the world’s largest brewer reported a surge in third quarter sales beyond pre-pandemic levels as drinkers imbibed its more expensive brands.
Dental implant maker Straumann Holdings also surged as it reported a 30% rise in third quarter revenues.
Airbus shares were up as the world’s largest commercial planemaker raised full-year financial targets.
Software maker Nemetschek fell to the bottom of the Stoxx despite reporting a rise in revenues and earnings and saying annual profits would be at the top end of expectations.
Spanish swimming pool equipment maker Fluidra was floundering, down almost 7%, despite a rise in profits and upgrade in sales forcecasts.
Volkswagen shares fell 2.7% as the carmaker cut its deliveries outlook and reporting lower-than-expected quarterly profit due to global shortage of microchips.
