Summary Frankfurt's DAX 30 index dipped 0.04 percent to 12,163.08 points.
LONDON (AFP) - Europe s main stock markets steadied at the start of trading on Tuesday after strong gains the previous day.
Frankfurt s DAX 30 index dipped 0.04 percent to 12,163.08 points after topping 12,000 for the first time Monday.
London s benchmark FTSE 100 index of top companies gained 0.25 percent to 6,820.90 points, and the CAC 40 in Paris won 0.09 percent to 5,065.62 points compared with Monday s close.
European stocks had rallied Monday on optimism over the ECB s fresh injection of stimulus across the eurozone, while the euro recovered after hitting another 12-year low versus the dollar.
Germany s leading stock market index smashed through the psychologically important level, one week after the European Central Bank began its 1.14-trillion-euro ($1.201-trillion) bond-buying QE programme that is aimed at stimulating growth and warding off deflation in the eurozone.
Investors are meanwhile keeping their focus on the US Federal Reserve s policy meeting Wednesday, seeking a clearer timeline for when it will raise interest rates as the world s biggest economy strengthens.
