European stock markets struggled for direction in early trade on Monday, as drug makers declined, while heavyweight resource firms lent support as most metals prices moved higher.
The Stoxx Europe 600 index was marginally higher at 272.37. Drug makers added the most pressure on the index, with Novartis AG off 0.5% and Roche Holding AG down 0.3%. Pointing in the other direction, mining firms were on the rise.
Rio Tinto PLC climbed 1.5%, BHP Billiton PLC added 1% and Anglo American PLC gained 0.8%.
The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index rose 0.1% to 5,802.47. In France, steel maker ArcelorMittal SA took on 1.1%. The CAC 40 index was up 0.1% at 3,523.35. Among German stocks, Deutsche Bank AG rose 1%, buoying the DAX 30 index to a 0.1% gain at 7,223.09.
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