European Shares Likely To Open On Sluggish Note Ahead Of Busy Week

BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) – European stocks are seen opening on a sluggish note Monday as investors look ahead to key inflation data from the United States and Europe as well as a meeting of oil producers due later in the day week for direction. After the November FOMC minutes revealed a cautious approach to future rate hikes, traders now await U.S. reports on new home sales, consumer confidence, pending home sales and manufacturing activity this week for additional clues about the outlook for growth and interest rates. The Commerce Department’s report on personal income and spending may be in the spotlight, as it includes readings on inflation said to be preferred by the Federal Reserve. The Fed’s favored measure of inflation…