European stocks steadier at open

LONDON: Europe's main stock markets were steady at the open on Wednesday after sharp losses the previous session.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index gained 0.37 percent to 5,957.77 points compared with Tuesday's close.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 added 0.20 percent to 9,589.70 points and the Paris CAC 40 edged down 0.02 percent to 4,427.79.

European indices had tumbled Tuesday, dragged down by sharp losses to shares prices of carmakers and miners on the Volkswagen scandal and a bleak outlook for China's economy, dealers said.

Volkswagen shares lost a further 2.0 percent in value at the open on Wednesday.