European stocks off to a shaky start, ECB in spotlight

The sentiment across the European markets remain quite mixed, with traders on the back foot as we progress towards the ECB monetary policy decision due later this session.

The European equities quickly reversed early losses and swung back into gains as higher oil prices continue to support the energy stocks on the region’s indices. While a bout of profit-taking ahead of the key risk event of the week, also lifts the markets.

The ECB is expected to extend its trillion-euro bond-buying program beyond March 2017 and announce plans to expand the universe of eligible bonds in another attempt to revive the euro zone's economy.

While, the upside remains capped as a negative closing on the Asian indices act as a drag on the European stock markets. Also, the European traders assess the latest trade data released out of China, keeping a lid on the indices.

Meanwhile, Germany's DAX 30 index rises +0.23% to 10,778, while the UK's FTSE 100 index trades +0.50% higher at 6,881. Among the other indices, the French CAC 40 index edges +0.26% higher at 4,568, while the pan-European Euro Stoxx 50 index gains +0.35% to 3,101.