FTSE 100 down 0.34%; DAX down 0.94%; CAC 40 down 0.67% (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milan, 17 Jul - European shares were lower in cautious midday trade, extending yesterday's losses. The Stoxx 600 index was down 0.73%.

Investors monitored fresh earnings reports from major European companies including ASML, Mulberry Group and Handelsbanken.

On the data front, in June consumer prices in the eurozone rose by 2.5% compared to the year earlier, down from 2.6% the previous month and in line with preliminary indications, data from European Union statistical office Eurostat showed.

Compared to the month earlier, consumer prices in the eurozone rose by 0.2%.

UK inflation came in at 2% on an annual basis in June, according to data released by the Office for National Statistics. The figure was slightly higher than the forecast 1.9%, but in line with May's 2% reading and the Bank of England's target rate.

Traders also continued to asses the impact an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump at a rally over the weekend that boosted expectations the Republicans will win the presidential elections against incumbent Joe Biden.

Data from betting marketplace PredictIt indicated his chances have ticked higher to more than 65%, putting him in a strong position with just over three months to go before the vote.

At 1125 GMT the London FTSE 100 was down 0.35% at 8,136 points, the Frankfurt DAX was down 0.94% at 18,351 points, the Paris CAC 40 down 0.67% at 7,529 points, while in Milan the FTSE MIB was down 0.58% at 34,170 points, and in Madrid the IBEX 35 was down 0.49% at 11,036 points.

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(RADIOCOR) 17-07-24 13:39:48 (0367) 5 NNNN