Muscat: European shares inched lower today as investors awaited further details on the US-China trade negotiations, while also looking ahead to some key corporate earnings and the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting later this week. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.1%. Other regional indexes were trading in positive territory, barring France (.FCHI), which fell 0.3%.

According to Oman News Agency, Dutch-listed shares of Shell fell 2.8% after a report said the oil major is working with advisers to evaluate a potential acquisition of rival BP. This development has drawn significant attention from market analysts, as it could represent a major shift in the landscape of the oil industry.

Investors are keenly watching for any updates from the ongoing US-China trade talks, given their potential impact on global trade dynamics. Meanwhile, the upcoming corporate earnings reports are expected to provide further insights into the financial health of major companies across Europe.

Additionally, the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting later this week is being closely monitored. Investors are eager to learn about any potential changes in monetary policy that could influence global markets.