07:49 AM EDT, 05/02/2024 (MT Newswires) -- European stock markets tracked sideways midday Thursday as traders digested the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy statements Wednesday, and weighed fresh earnings reports.

London's FTSE 100 index again tested new all-time market highs.

Dutch financial giant ING traded up 6.3% mid-session after reporting earnings, and disclosing a stock buyback program.

Bank and property stocks gained, while oil and tech issues lagged.

Investors also eyed Wall Street futures signaling green, but choppy closes overnight on Asian exchanges.

The Eurozone manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) posted at 45.7 in April, down from 46.1 in March, and falling further below the 50-marker that separates growth from contraction, reported S&P Global.

The pan-continental Stoxx Europe 600 Index was steady mid-session.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Technology Index was off 0.6%, but the Stoxx 600 Banks Index gained 0.8%.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Oil and Gas Index was off 1.3%, but the Stoxx 600 Europe Food and Beverage Index was flat.

The REITE, a European REIT index, rose 0.7%, but the Stoxx Europe 600 Retail Index declined 0.6%.

On the national market indexes, Germany's DAX was up 0.1%, and the FTSE 100 in London was up 0.4%. The CAC 40 in Paris was off 0.6%, and Spain's IBEX 35 gained 0.5%.

Yields on benchmark 10-year German bonds were lower, near 2.54%.

Front-month North Sea Brent crude oil futures were up 1% to $84.28 per barrel.

The Euro Stoxx 50 volatility index was down 1.6% to 15.32, indicating below-average volatility for European stock markets in the next 30 days, a positive signal. A reading above 20 indicates choppier markets ahead, while below 20 suggests calmer exchanges.

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