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May 22 (Reuters) - European stocks slipped in early

deals on Wednesday as a stronger-than-expected British inflation

reading dampened the mood ahead of release of the Federal

Reserve's meeting minutes and AI darling Nvidia's ( NVDA ) earnings.

The continent-wide STOXX 600 index dipped 0.3% as

of 0705 GMT, with Britain's FTSE 100 leading losses

among regional markets with an 0.6% drop.

Data showed inflation in Britain fell by a

less-than-expected 2.3% in April, prompting traders to cut their

bets on a Bank of England interest rate cut next month.

Investors are awaiting minutes from the Fed's last policy

meeting as well as Nvidia's ( NVDA ) quarterly earnings to gauge if the

recent rally in markets could continue.

Among single stocks, Swiss Life dipped 1.8% after

Switzerland's largest life insurer narrowed its 2024 outlook for

fee income.

Marks & Spencer ( MAKSF ) jumped 7% after the British

retailer reported a 58% rise in annual profit as its strategy to

re-shape the business delivered strong sales growth in both its

food and clothing divisions.