European stocks mixed on German data, ruble hits new low

 LONDON: European stocks markets struggled for direction on Tuesday as investors reacted to regional economic data, including weaker business sentiment in Germany and lower British inflation.
Frankfurt's DAX 30 index edged up 0.05 per cent to 9,661.75 points and the CAC 40 in Paris lost 0.07 per cent to stand at 4,332.33 points in afternoon deals.
London's benchmark FTSE 100 index rose 0.43 per cent to 6,764.94 compared with Monday's closing value.The euro firmed to $1.3745 from $1.3724 late in New York on Monday.The European single currency gained to 82.28 British pence from 82 pence.
The pound fell to $1.6704 from $1.6714.
On the London Bullion Market, the price of gold dropped to $1,314 an ounce from $1,327.50 on Friday. In Asian trading earlier it had reached $1,332.45.
The Russian ruble fell to a record low level against the euro which rose to 48.55 rubles from the previous record of 48.46 rubles on Friday.
Meanwhile:US stocks kicked off a holiday-shortened week Tuesday in mixed fashion as investors weighed Irish drug maker Actavis's mega deal to acquire Forest Laboratories for $25 billion.
Five minutes into trading, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 18.87 points (0.12 per cent) at 16,135.52.
Meanwhile: Asian stock markets closed mixed on Tuesday, but Tokyo surged 3.13 percent after the Bank of Japan expanded its lending scheme to stimulate borrowing, while holding off on fresh easing measures.