European stock markets steadier at open

LONDON: Europe's main stock markets diverged at the start of trading on Thursday following strong gains the previous day.

London's FTSE 100 benchmark index fell 0.2 percent to 6,021.6 point.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index climbed 0.5 percent to 9,428 points and the Paris CAC 40 won also 0.5 percent to 4,255.1.

US and European stocks had rallied Wednesday, with Paris winning 3.0 percent, as strength in Chinese equities and oil prices lifted energy and commodities shares.

Asian stocks played catch-up Thursday, with most indices across the region producing strong gains.