up and said its chief executive would retire at the end of the year. Also in the sector, Fortis gained 0.8 percent after forecast-beating results. On the macroeconomic front, markets expect to see a rise in Germany's Ifo business confidence survey, results of which are due at 0800 GMT, following a strong jump in the ZEW investor confidence index this week. Still in Germany, the country's highest court is due to announce whether the general election called for September can go ahead. --SP 1134 Local Time 0834 GMT
