European stocks climb at open; London FTSE up 0.43pc

LONDON: European stock markets advanced in opening trade on Friday as dealers set aside news of slowing Chinese economic growth and a Moody's ratings downgrade for debt-laden Italy.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 of top companies rose 0.43 percent to 5,608.37 points, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index gained 0.42 percent to 6,446.22 points and in Paris the CAC 40 added 0.40 percent to 3,148.03 points.