European stock markets lower at midweek open

ANKARA (AA) – European stock exchanges were lower at Wednesday's open, ending the rally in the previous session.

The pan-European STOXX 600 fell 0.40% or 1.62 points to 401.40.

The UK's FTSE 100 index decreased 0.68%, or 48.36 points, to 7,038.10.

Germany's DAX 30 was down by 0.48%, or 61.20 points, to 12,609.3 points.

According to Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) data released on Wednesday, Germany's foreign trade surplus decreased to €1.2 billion ($1.19 billion) in August.

German exports increased by 18.1% year-on-year to €133.1 billion in August, while imports surged 33.3% to €131.9 billion in the same period.

France's CAC 40 slipped 0.56%, or 33.55 points, to 6,006 points.

France's industrial production bounced back in August after contracting a month ago with the output rising 2.4% month-on-month, the country's statistical authority revealed on Wednesday.

Italy's FTSE MIB declined 0.79%, or 171.65 points, to 21,519.

Spain's IBEX 35 dropped 0.63%, or 48.72 points, to 7,647.