Europe: Stock markets steady at open

[LONDON] European stocks were steady at the start of trading on Friday, with markets waiting to see if Britain and the EU can finally strike a post-Brexit trade deal.

London's FTSE 100 index opened flat at 6,551.46 points.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index dipped 0.2 per cent to 13,645.78 points and the Paris CAC 40 also eased 0.2 per cent to 5,540.22.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier on Friday warned that Brexit talks were at a "moment of truth" with just hours left to reach an agreement with Britain.

"It's the moment of truth," Mr Barnier told the European Parliament.

"We have very little time remaining, just a few hours to work through these negotiations... if you want this agreement to enter into force on January 1."

AFP