European stock markets slide at open

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index shed 1.33 per cent to 6,247.91 points, while the Frankfurt's DAX 30 dropped 1.13 per cent to 9,455.74 points.

European stock markets have slid at the start of trading after sharp gains the day before.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index shed 1.33 per cent to 6,247.91 points on Wednesday, Frankfurt's DAX 30 dropped 1.13 per cent to 9,455.74 points and in Paris the CAC 40 retreated 1.0 per cent to 4,052.23 compared with Tuesday's close.