Europe: Stock markets drop at open

[LONDON] Europe's main stock markets fell at the start of trading on Monday following losses across most of Asia.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index dropped 0.3 per cent to 6,186.95 points compared with Friday's close.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index lost 0.3 per cent to 9,595.56 points and the Paris CAC 40 shed 0.2 per cent to 4,294.12.

Japan's Nikkei led most Asian stock markets lower Monday as the yen resumed its march against the dollar.

But Chinese markets rallied after data showed inflation in China held above two per cent for a second-straight month in the world's second biggest economy.

Global stock markets had mostly risen on Friday, helped by higher oil prices.

AFP