STOXX 600 flat

Jan 27 Reuters European shares were muted on Friday as investors refrained from placing aggressive bets ahead of a slew of central bank meetings next week, while luxury goods makers slid after weak earnings from sector bellwether LVMH.

The panEuropean STOXX 600 was flat at 0815 GMT as losses in retail and healthcare stocks offset gains in the energy sector.

Shares of LVMH fell 1.1 as some analysts expressed an element of disappointment over the company39;s margins, which took some of the shine off its fourthquarter figures.

HM declined 6.6 after the world39;s secondbiggest fashion retailer reported a much largerthanexpected dive in SeptemberNovember operating profit, slammed by soaring costs and weakening consumer confidence.

SSAB gained 6.9 as the Swedish steelmaker expects to increase shipments in a more stable market in the first quarter, while reporting earnings in line expectations.

The upcoming week is marked by prominent central bank meetings like the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England.

Reporting by Ankika Biswas in Bengaluru; editing by Uttaresh.V

Source Reuters