STOXX 600 up 0.3
ECB interest rate decision due at 1215 GMT
Husqvarna slides on Q2 sales drop

July 18 Reuters European shares rose on Thursday as gains in energy overshadowed declines in technology stocks, although major focus was on the European Central Bank39;s interest rate decision, due later in the day.

The continentwide STOXX 600 was 0.3 higher at 0838 GMT, on track to snap three consecutive sessions of losses.

Oil and gas boosted the benchmark index with a near 1 rise, tracking stronger crude prices.

Gains were limited by a 0.4 loss in technology stocks, with the sector extending declines from Tuesday, as concerns around tougher U.S. trade rules lingered.

There39;s also this worry in Europe that the Trump administration could worsen the international trade environment and worsen the trade relationships and that is a worry that goes beyond ASML and chip stocks, said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Swissquote Bank39;s senior analyst.

Investors also awaited the ECB39;s interest rate decision, due at 1215 GMT, where the central bank is expected to keep interest rates unchanged while signalling that its next move is still set to be a cut, even if this guidance is likely to be vague and carry caveats. 0ECBWATCH

We expect the ECB to set the expectations for September rate cut… We39;re in a good position to do that given that the rate cut expectations for the Federal Reserve in September are now fully priced in, Ozkardeskaya added.

While a raft of downbeat earnings…