European stock markets fall at open

Europe’s main stock markets dropped at the open Wednesday as traders react to fresh evidence of soaring global inflation.

London’s benchmark FTSE 100 index slipped 0.1 percent to 7,568.10 points, after official data showed UK inflation had rocketed to a 30-year high in March.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt’s DAX index shed 0.6 percent to 14,046.75 points and the Paris CAC 40 lost 0.2 percent to 6,526.97.

Tokyo closed higher Wednesday, while Wall Street finished lower on Tuesday following official figures showing US inflation hitting a four-decade high.