European stock markets retreated at the opening on Thursday with investors taking profits from the strong gains the previous session.

File photo: Agencies

London's benchmark FTSE 100 index slid 1.0 percent to 6,214.57 points, after ending Wednesday with a gain of 2.0 percent.

Frankfurt's DAX 30 index dipped 0.1 percent to 13,042.71 points and the Paris CAC 40 shed 0.3 percent to 5,058.86.

Both indices had closed 0.9 percent higher on Wednesday.