Forvia jumps on supply deal with China39;s BYD, Xiaomi
JDE Peets surges on Mondelez39;s share acquisition
SAP earnings due after market close

Oct 21 Reuters European shares struggled for direction on Monday, after two backtoback weekly gains, ahead of a series of marquee corporate earnings, although stabilising oil prices buoyed the energy sector.

The continentwide STOXX 600 was unchanged at 0845 GMT, having swung between slight gains and losses.

The index ended higher last week after the European Central Bank cut interest rates on Thursday and, according to Austria39;s central bank governor, is set to get inflation under control.

Polls showed rising odds of former President Donald Trump winning the Nov. 5 U.S. elections, which is seen as bruising to the European economy. Those odds were reflected in Trump trades such as the U.S. dollar and cryptocurrency bitcoin.

Trump is quite keen on imposing tariffs, especially on China, but also on other trading partners including Europe, which is bad news for Europe, said Andrea Cicione, head of research at GlobalData.TSLombard.

If Trump wins the Presidency, but Republicans also win the House and the Senate, then it39;s going to be a lot easier for Trump to implement his policies.

European companies with U.S.heavy exports will be of interest in the runup to the elections, Cicione said, as will be cyclical sectors likely to benefit from any improvement in the U.S. economy following rate cuts.

Deutsche Bank, Lloyds and…