European stock markets rise at open

European shares climbed at the opening session on Friday.

The equities struggled to make gains as concerns over rising virus cases offset economic recovery hopes, reports AFP.

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index grew 0.2 percent to 7,035.75 points on the day.

In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX 30 index edged up 0.1 percent to 15,632.99 points and the Paris CAC 40 gained 0.3 percent to 6,704.81.

According to a Reuters report, Germany’s benchmark 10-year government bond yield was flat, but Greek yields fell for the second day as markets continued to view the bank’s cautious approach as a positive.

Elsewhere in currencies, the pound rose 0.3 per cent despite data showing the British economy slowed in July. The euro was up 0.1 per cent.

Oil also gained ground on signs of tight US supplies after Hurricane Ida hit offshore output, with Brent crude up 1.6 per cent at $72.57 a barrel.