Gold prices fell on Thursday, pressured by a firmer dollar, while investors looked to the U.S. central bank's annual Jackson Hole symposium later in the day for further policy cues.

The stock market is heading into a catalyst-filled week as Fed Chair Jerome Powell gets ready to speak at Jackson Hole and big retailers report earnings.

Walmart earnings are in early focus before the highly anticipated start of the Federal Reserve's gathering at Jackson Hole.

By Elizabeth Howcroft PARIS (Reuters) -European stock markets fell slightly in early trading on Thursday, hovering just below recent highs, as traders avoided making big moves and waited for the Federal Reserve's three-day annual Jackson Hole symposium.

Federal Reserve chair is under bombardment from Donald Trump and battling an insurgency within the central bank