European stocks drop at open
With few catalysts to drive business, attention has turned to the US economic figures.
LONDON (AFP) - Europe s main stock markets fell at the start of trading on Tuesday after a mixed session earlier in Asia.
London s benchmark FTSE 100 index dipped 0.15 percent to stand at 6,855.22 points compared with Monday s closing value.
Frankfurt s DAX 30 shed 0.33 percent to 9,676.56 points and in Paris the CAC 40 declined 0.30 percent to 4,405.93.
Asian markets were mixed on Tuesday following a strong lead from Wall Street as investors await the release of key US data later in the week.
Tokyo s Nikkei-225 index jumped 1.44 percent to finish at 15,051.60 points.
With few catalysts to drive business, attention has turned to the US economic figures including gross domestic product growth on Friday. This week will also see the release of February consumer confidence, durable goods orders and initial jobless claims.
The results will be closely watched as they will give the clearest snapshot of economic health this year, with previous releases skewed by severe winter weather at the end of last year and the start of this one.
