Despite the return of large mergers and acquisitions, the CAC 40 remains in the red, while the growing concern over Portugal after ratings agency Moody's has further worsened the country score. At mid session, it loses 0.62% to 4017.94 points.
At the Stock Exchange Frankfurt, the DAX 30 lost 0.36% to 7149.51 points, for its part, the Footsie-100 from the London Stock Exchange was down 0.32% to 5997.69 points.
With the exception of the Nikkei, which lost just over 1%, most Asian stock indices move in the green. On Monday, the Dow finished at its highest closing level since early June 2008, at 12,400.03 points.
On the macroeconomic front, growth in activity in the services sector accelerated further in March to its fastest pace since last August. The services PMI rose to 60.4 against 59.7 in February. An initial estimate had been given to 60.7 on March 24.
For the euro area, this index stood at 57.2 against 56.8 in February, its highest level since August 2007. It is superior to the flash estimate of 56.9.
Also for the euro area, retail sales came out slightly down from 0.1% in February compared to the previous month after rising 0.2% in Jan.
In the U.S., the ISM index of activity in services is expected in March to 16 hours.
On the currency markets, the euro fell slightly against the dollar at 1.4181 at midday in Paris.
Oil prices retreated Tuesday morning. In morning trading, a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery lost 0.39% to 108.05 dollars.
EDF, the biggest drop Cac 40
The values of energy (EDF, GDF Suez, Total, Air Liquide) are also tracked by investors.EDF lost 3.69% to 28.45 euros, GDF Suez fell by 3.25% to 27.35 euros and Air Liquide was down 0.25% to 95.52 euros, in contrast, loses 0 Total , 20% to 43.29 euros.
The government announced the cancellation of the rising gas prices on 1 July and the study of a new pricing formula. In contrast, electricity prices will rise by 2.9% on 1 July. Matignon has also confirmed that the oil companies will be involved to curb the soaring fuel prices one hour payday loan.
Banks battered on Tuesday after Moody's downgraded the rating of Portugal. The rating agency does not lower it again.Societe Generale loose 2.37% to 44.72 euros, BNP Paribas dropped 1.73% to 51.83 euros, Credit Agricole sells 2.73% to 11.39 euros and Natixis was down 0.96% to 4 , 01 euros.
STMicroelectronics: 2.72% to 9.02 euros
STMicroelectronics benefits of the takeover bid by Texas Instruments of National Semiconductor for $ 6.5 billion (4.6 billion euros).
Areva: 2.12% to 31.75 euros
A list of candidates shortlisted by the Supervisory Board of Areva to hold the presidency of the Executive Group was deposited on the office of Nicolas Sarkozy, according to Liberation, citing near the head of state.
L'Oreal: -1.36% to 82.77 euros
According to the daily 20 minutes, the boss of L'Oreal, Lindsay Owen-Jones would be the subject of a complaint filed by Janez Mercun, a Slovenian who had a contract with L'Oreal granting the exclusive distribution market Russia.
PSA Peugeot Citroën: 0.39% to 28.58 euros
Gefco logistics group, a subsidiary of PSA Peugeot Citroën has signed with Italian funds RP3 Venice and a contract to acquire their share of 70% stake in Gruppo Mercurio, an Italian specialist transport and distribution of vehicles .
Cap Gemini, +0.01% at 41.55 euros
Cap Gemini is expected to announce Tuesday the acquisition of two French companies, and Artesys Avantias for $ 40 million, according to Les Echos.
Havas: -1.41% to 3.85 euros
Havas announced the acquisition of the independent agency Farm Strategy, without specifying the amount of the transaction.
Technip: +0.10% to 77.10 euros
Technip awarded a contract by RWE Dea for the development of gas field Clipper South in the North Sea.
Belvedere Trading on shares was suspended on Tuesday at the request of the company after the resolution of the preservation plan of the group of wines and spirits, delivered Monday by the Tribunal de Commerce de Dijon. The stock closed Monday up 8.67% to 66.20 euros.