European stocks diverge at open

• The Paris and London stock markets diverged in opening trade on Thursday.
• In the eurozone however, the Paris CAC 40 index rose 0.4 percent to stand at 5,443.91.
• In initial deals, the British's benchmark FTSE 100 index of leading blue-chip companies fell 0.3 percent to 7,102.72 points.

LONDON: The Paris and London stock markets diverged in opening trade on Thursday, while Frankfurt remained shut for a public holiday.

In initial deals, the British's benchmark FTSE 100 index of leading blue-chip companies fell 0.3 percent to 7,102.72 points, compared with the closing level on Wednesday.

In the eurozone however, the Paris CAC 40 index rose 0.4 percent to stand at 5,443.91.