FTSE 100 down 0.17%; DAX down 0.03%; CAC 40 down 0.65% (Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milan, 17 Jul - European shares opened moderately lower in cautious trade, extending yesterday's losses after a weak close in Asia and gains on Wall Street overnight. The Stoxx 600 index was down 0.28%.

In the region's stock market dealings most sectors were lower, with tech stocks leading the losses, with Dutch semiconductor giant ASML dipping on a downbeat third quarter sales forecast, while household goods stocks rose.

Investors remained on the sidelines as they monitored earnings reports from major European companies including ASML, Mulberry Group and Handelsbanken.

On the data front, 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.

Investors are now awaiting the final euro zone inflation data for June, ahead of the European Central Bank's rate-setting meeting later in the week.

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.

US stock futures pointe to a muted open after the Down Jones climbed yesterday to new highs.

At 0735 GMT the London FTSE 100 was down 0.17% at 8,150 points, the Frankfurt DAX was down 0.03% at 18,577 points, the Paris CAC 40 down 0.65% at 7,583 points, while in Milan the FTSE MIB was down 0.06% at 34,350 points, and in Madrid the IBEX 35 was down 0.40% at 11,046 points.

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(RADIOCOR) 17-07-24 10:00:17 (0221) 5 NNNN