European stock markets down at Friday's open

ANKARA

European stock exchanges were lower at the opening bell on Friday following a series of interest rate hikes this week.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was down 0.13%, or 0.52 points, to 399.24.

The UK's FTSE 100 index also decreased 0.13%, or 9.58 points, to 7,149.9.

Germany's DAX 30 slipped 0.23%, or 28.6 points, to 12,503 points.

France's CAC 40 fell 0.25%, or 14.6 points, to open the day at 5,903.8.

Italy's FTSE MIB declined 0.28%, or 62.1 points, to 21,737, while Spain's IBEX 35 dropped 0.29%, or 22.8 points, to 7,751.