LONDON, Nov 26 — European shares were little changed today after a strong start to the week, as investors sought concrete signs of any progress in trade talks between the United States and China.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index was flat at 0803 GMT, after gaining more than one per cent yesterday following a report that the two sides were close to a trade agreement.

China's Commerce Ministry said today that top trade negotiators from both countries had reached a consensus on "resolving relevant problems” on a phone call, but gave no indication on the timing of a deal.

Shares of Compass Group Plc fell six per cent after it said deteriorating business and consumer confidence in Europe had hurt volumes and margins at its unit that provides catering services to companies.

The stock pushed the wider travel and leisure sector down two per cent.

French car parts maker Faurecia jumped four per cent. The company said it was targeting record sales, profits and cash generation in 2022, partly due to the boost from its acquisition of Japanese company Clarion. — Reuters