Euroshares outlook - lower ahead of ECB, BoE meetings, earnings news to dominate.

(From AFX Europe (Focus))

LONDON (AFX) - Leading shares are tipped to open a tick lower ahead of rate decisions from the BoE and the ECB as investors wade throgh a flood of earnings news, brushing aside modest gains on Wall St, dealers said.

Last night, the DJIA inched up 0.56 points to 12,666.87 as productivity data offset comments from Philadelphia Fed President Charles Plosser that an improving economy might force the central bank to raise short-term interest rates.

The Nasdaq jumped 19.01 points to 2,490.50 on the back of a robust sales forecast from Cisco Systems Inc.

Over in Asia, the Nikkei index was 19.01 points to 2,490.50 at the close while the Hang Sang ended the morning down 314.72 points at 20,364.97.

Meanwhile, oil prices were firmer in Asian trade after falling sharply in US hours even as a cold snap continued to drive demand for heating oil in the world's biggest energy user, dealers said.

New York's main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, was up 15 cents at 57.86 usd a barrel after tumbling 1.17 usd to 57.71 in US trade.

After a warning from majority owned Nissan last Friday, Renault's outlook statement will be a major focus.

But -- …