London's benchmark FTSE 100 index edged up 0.1 percent to 6,204.95 points compared with Monday's close.
In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index grew 0.5 percent to 9,725.12 points and the Paris CAC 40 won 0.1 percent to 4,317.50.
A fall in the yen pushed Japan's stock market higher on Tuesday, leading a Asia-wide advance, although analysts warned that worries about the world economy and earnings would temper any rally.
Most European stock markets had risen on Monday as traders reacted positively to inflation data out of China and a rebound in oil prices.
Wall Street however retreated ahead of the US corporate earnings season that is expected to show generally weaker results.
World markets have been unable to maintain their momentum after the bright run seen in March, with concern growing that central banks may be running out of tools to kick-start growth and inflation.
Official data due Tuesday is expected to show inflation in Britain remaining far below the Bank of England's 2.0-percent target rate.