Europe: Stocks climb at open; before British budget

[LONDON] European stock markets rose at the open Wednesday, with London's benchmark FTSE 100 index up 0.3 per cent at 6,843.56 points before Britain's first budget since the Brexit referendum.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 edged up 0.1 per cent to 10,718.89 points compared with Tuesday's close, while the Paris CAC 40 gained 0.2 per cent to 4,557.93.

All eyes will be on Britain's parliament from 1230 GMT where finance minister Philip Hammond delivers his so-called Autumn Statement against the backdrop of the country's looming exit from the European Union (EU).

Analysts have said Mr Hammond's hopes of easing years of austerity could be hampered by financial uncertainty surrounding Britain's Brexit strategy.

AFP