European stocks drop at open, as France in recession

• The Paris CAC 40 index led the way with a loss of 1.6 percent, Frankfurt dropped 1.0 percent, Madrid shed 1.2 percent and Milan fell 0.4 percent.

The Paris CAC 40 index led the way with a loss of 1.6 percent, Frankfurt dropped 1.0 percent, Madrid shed 1.2 percent and Milan fell 0.4 percent.

Outside the eurozone, London lost 1.3 percent.