European share prices are slightly lower in midday trading Wednesday.
London's Financial Times index is down 27 points at 4,973. The CAC-40 in Paris is eight points lower at 4,046, and the DAX index in Frankfurt is down eight points at 4,375.
The S&P futures contract is down more than two points, indicating a slightly lower opening for U.S. stocks.
Tokyo's Nikkei index gained 33 points to finish at 11,814.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng index lost 210 points to end at 13,851. The price of gold in London is 429 dollars, 15 cents an ounce, down one dollar, 95 cents from late Tuesday.
The dollar in London is higher against other major currencies.
