Europe stocks dip as profit warnings eclipse data

PARIS, July 25 (Reuters) - European stocks ended slightly lower on Friday, after a flurry of better-than-expected U.S. economic data failed to eclipse a profit warning by Munich Re (MUVGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) that knocked insurers lower.

On the upside, Danone (DANO.PA: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) surged 7.7 percent after the food and beverage group lifted its 2008 operating margin target and confirmed 2008 sales and profit growth outlook.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares unofficially ended 0.09 percent lower at 1,169.70 points, after falling by more than 1 percent during the session.

Late in the session, better-than-expected U.S. data reassured investors on the outlook of the world's biggest economy. U.S. consumer sentiment recovered unexpectedly in July, sales of newly built single-family homes were stronger than expected in June, and U.S. durable goods orders for June unexpectedly rose.

"Core durable goods shipments increased for the fourth consecutive month, signalling resilient investment in equipment despite a difficult context," Jean-Marc Lucas, economist at BNP Paribas, wrote in a note. (Reporting by Blaise Robinson)