European stocks extended gains in early trading on Thursday, with more earnings updates due, while focus was on U.S. inflation data for clues on the timing of the Federal Reserve's first interest rate cut.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose 0.2 percent, led by gains in the personal goods sector.
All eyes will now be on US consumer price data due at 1230 GMT, which is expected to show inflation falling to 3.1 percent in June from 3.3 percent the previous month.
Meanwhile, German inflation fell to 2.5 percent in June, confirming preliminary data and leaving the door open for another ECB rate cut in September.
British water company Beynon rose 5.8 percent after appointing a new chief financial officer.
Barry Callebaut shares fell 7.1 percent after the Swiss chocolate maker reported a slight rise in sales in the nine months to May, even as higher cocoa prices weighed on demand.
Shares of Portugal's Galp Energia fell 3.1 percent after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock and cut its price target.
