City sources predict the FTSE 100 will open down four points from yesterday's close of 6,359, after it hit five-year highs on Wednesday - despite a number of stocks providing a drag after going ex-dividend.

Further gains may be limited by news that Japan's economy contracted 0.1%, compared to expectations of growth of 0.1%, marking the third quarterly contraction in a row.

Wall Street finished mixed on Wednesday, lacking direction for a third consecutive day, with investors pausing for breath after a strong rise so far in 2013.

"It often happens that after a few days like the ones we have seen, the market surprises us with a sharp rise or fall in the following sessions," said analysts at Digital Look.

On today's agenda is the ECB report, due out at 09:00 and the German GDP reading.

In company news, mining heavyweight Rio Tinto swung into its first ever full-year loss in 2012, dragged down by impairments against its aluminium and Mozambique coal assets. The world's second largest iron ore producer posted a $2.9bn loss, a 151% drop from the £5.3bn net profits reported the year before.

Aerospace and defence company Rolls-Royce has appointed Ian Davis as the Chairman of the company, succeeding Sir Simon Robertson. Davis will join the board as a non-executive Director on March 1st and take over from Robertson at the conclusion of the annual general meeting on May 2nd.

Health and environmental technology group Halma has said it expects its full year adjusted profit to be in line with expectations, after good growth in the US and Asia balanced out on-going tougher trading conditions in the UK and Europe. The company reported a strong performance in its Industrial Safety sector, and said Health & Analysis is benefiting from recent acquisitions, with good performances in Health Optics and Fluid Technology offsetting weakness in Photonics.

Related share prices
Rio Tinto (RIO) share price
Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) share price
Halma (HLMA) share price