On Thursday European stocks dropped as euro-region economic confidence declined more than forecast and Italy’s borrowing costs rose at a sale of six-month bills. U.S. index futures erased gains, while Asian shares climbed.

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index slid 0.5 percent to 255.81 at 10:35 a.m. in London, having earlier risen 0.6 percent.

UK stocks pared their gains after a report showed economic confidence in the euro area declined more than forecast in April. The benchmark FTSE 100 Index rose less than 0.1 percent to 5,722.02 at 10:42 a.m. in London, after earlier climbing as much as 0.7 percent. On Wednesday the gauge advanced as a rally in mining companies and earnings from Apple Inc. helped offset data that showed Britain slipped into its first double-dip recession since the 1970s. The FTSE All-Share Index and Ireland’s ISEQ Index also increased less than 0.1 percent.

An index of executive and consumer sentiment in the 17- nation euro area fell to 92.8 from a revised 94.5 in March, the European Commission in Brussels said on Thursday.

Japanese shares climbed after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said he’s prepared to do more to stimulate U.S. growth if needed. Gains were limited after ruling party powerbroker Ichiro Ozawa was found not guilty of violating campaign finance laws, raising concern gridlock may make it difficult to pass new consumption taxes.

Honda Motor Co. a carmaker that gets almost 45 percent of its sales in North America, added 0.9 percent. Fujitsu General Ltd. soared 11 percent after the air-conditioner company beat earnings estimates.

The Topix Index rose 0.1 percent at the close, with about three shares advancing for every two that declined. The Nikkei 225 Stock Average was little changed at 9,561.83 after swinging between gains of 0.7 percent and losses of 0.3 percent.