LONDON — European stock markets were down in mid-morning trading on Friday, with the Italian market leading the way.
The FTSE MIB in Milan fell 0.5 percent to 18,230 while the DAX in Frankfurt was down 0.4 percent to 10,049.49. The CAC 40 in Paris declined 0.3 percent to 4,494.58, followed by the FTSE 100 in London, 0.1 percent to 6,359.63.
The euro traded at $1.12, while the pound fetched $1.41 and the Swiss franc equaled $1.03 at 11:30 a.m. CET.
Retail and luxury stocks were uneven. The morning’s biggest risers included Mysale Group, 6 percent to 0.51 pounds, and Carrefour, 4 percent to 26 euros. The French retailer reported a strong first-quarter revenue due to performances in Latin America, southern Europe and improved sales in China. Metro AG rose 2 percent to 29.32 euros.
Among the stocks that lost ground were Gemfields and Mulberry, both down 2.4 percent, to 0.41 pounds and to 9.65 pounds respectively. Ted Baker retreated 1.6 percent to 24.73 pounds.