Markets Are Down Across Europe

 

Markets are down slightly early in the European trading session. England's FTSE 100 is down 0.3%.

France's CAC 40 is down 0.2%.

Germany's DAX is up 0.1%.

France's IBEX 35 is flat.

Italy's FTSE MIB is down 0.1%.

Generally, it's looking like another quiet day to continue a quiet week.

At 8:30 AM ET, the U.S. will release its January retail sales report, which will be closely followed because it will be the first month that incorporates the impact of the recent payroll tax hike.

Reason: