European stock index declines

European stocks closed lower today. The STOXX 600 index fell 0.30 percent to 639.6 points.

Losses were led by travel and leisure stocks, which dropped 0.95 percent.

Energy sector stocks rose 0.98 percent, while Ryanair shares fell 4.55 percent, becoming the biggest loser on the STOXX 600, after the low-cost airline reported a 34 percent drop in first-quarter profit, hit by higher fuel costs and lower ticket prices.

Meanwhile, technology sector stocks rose 0.13 percent ahead of the announcement of results from major US technology companies, which could provide a catalyst for the sector.

Computacenter shares jumped 5.55 percent to the top of the STOXX 600.