markets: Shares across Europe close down

European shares turned negative in later trading after a positive opening after business activity in the American Midwest failed to move into growth and instead contracted.

Banks were hit on Wednesday with BNP Paribas, Credit Swiss, HSBC and Deutsche Bank all down.

The FTSEEurofirst.300, the index of top European shares is down. But it is still in line to record its best quarterly gains in nearly a decade.

Nike the sports and fashion empire made gains in the States; Adidas followed suit in Europe.

Brent Oil closed at close to 60 dollars a barrel.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Banking, Europe, Markets