European shares flat as strong earnings offset French unrest worries

Oct 21 (Reuters) European shares struggled for direction on Wednesday as concerns over violent unrest in France offset ​support from a strong slate of ‌corporate earnings, keeping risk appetite in check. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was flat at 638.80 points by 0713 GMT. Investors looked to corporate earnings ‌for ​fresh direction as the ⁠outlook for the region ⁠became increasingly clouded by uncertainty. Randstad jumped 11.6% after the recruitment firm reported organic revenue growth of 3.9% for the ​third quarter, beating analysts average forecast of 2.9%. EssilorLuxottica rose 11.1% after the eyewear ⁠group reported a 7.2% ⁠increase in third-quarter revenue at ​constant exchange rates, beating analysts expectations. Sentiment remained ​fragile, however, as investors assessed the fallout ‌from unrest in France, which has added to concerns about the country s weakening public finances and slowing growth. Carrefour dropped 12.5% ⁠after the French supermarket chain cut its annua