Europe: Stock markets drop at open

[LONDON] Europe's major stock markets sank on Tuesday (Apr 12) in opening deals after losses elsewhere before key US inflation data.

London's FTSE 100 index dipped 0.8 per cent to 7,557.61 points compared with Monday's closing level.

In the eurozone, the Paris CAC 40 shed 1.7 per cent to 6,441.86 points and Frankfurt's DAX slid 1.8 per cent to 13,939.06.

The performance followed a weak overnight lead from Wall Street, with sentiment souring before Tuesday's vital inflation reading.

The United States is set to release the consumer price index for March.

US inflation had spiked 7.9 per cent over the 12 months to February in the biggest increase in 40 years. AFP