European stocks climb at open; London up 0.97pc

LONDON: European stock markets rose in opening deals on Wednesday, mirroring gains elsewhere, following unconfirmed reports that the eurozone bailout fund could be expanded, dealers said.

London's FTSE 100 index of leading shares up 0.97 percent at 5,462.58 points, Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.55 percent to 5,909.58 points and in Paris the CAC 40 added 0.80 percent to 3,166.24.

Asian markets rose Wednesday, boosted by a Wall Street rally on reports that European leaders were close to massively increasing the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) bailout fund for troubled eurozone economies.