European stock markets are mixed

As of 10:20 a.m. on European stock exchanges, the Stoxx Europe 600 benchmark index was trading at 571 points, down 0.3 percent, the FTSE 100 index in the UK was trading at 9,472 points, up 0.5 percent, and the DAX 40 index in Germany was trading at 24,284 points, down 0.2 percent.

In Italy, the FTSE MIB 30 index is at 42,536 points with a 0.3 percent loss, in Spain the IBEX 35 index is at 15,790 points with a 0.2 percent increase and in France the CAC 40 index is at 8,208 points with a 0.6 percent loss.

The trade tensions between the US and China are being closely watched worldwide. US President Donald Trump had previously stated that he would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea within two weeks, but later stated that the meeting "may not happen."

Stating that they would make a fair deal with China, Trump said, "I think it will be a very successful meeting (with Xi). There are many people waiting for this, but maybe it will not happen."

Geopolitical developments in the Middle East continue to be on the agenda throughout the region.

Meanwhile, according to data released today, the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) remained unchanged month-over-month in September but rose 3.8 percent year-over-year. The core CPI also fell short of expectations, rising 3.5 percent year-over-year.

In the UK, the CPI increased by 0.3 percent month-on-month, 3.8 percent year-on-year, and the core CPI increased by 3.6 percent in August.

The Bank of England is expected to adopt a cautious stance in monetary policy due to inflation exceeding its 2% target.

Analysts said that the focus today will be on European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde's speech and weekly mortgage applications in the US.