European stocks stable in opening trade after slump

LONDON: European stock markets steadied at the start of trading on Tuesday, after slumping the previous day on political uncertainty in Italy and Spain, with London's FTSE 100 index of top companies up 0.05 percent at 6,249.70 points.

Frankfurt's DAX 30 firmed 0.07 percent to 7,643.54 points, while in Paris the CAC 40 drifted 0.13 percent lower to 3,654.32.

European equities had tumbled on Monday and the euro dropped against the dollar amid fears of political turmoil in Spain and Italy, with banking shares suffering some of the heaviest losses.