LONDON, May 30 (AFP): European stock markets were mixed on Friday, with many traders away for a long holiday weekend and the mining sector hit by concern about Chinese demand, dealers said.
London's FTSE 100 index of top companies dipped 0.07 per cent to stand at 6,866.56 points in late morning trade, as investors shrugged off positive news on the British economy.
In Paris, the CAC 40 index fell 0.25 per cent to 4,519.41 points, but Frankfurt's DAX 30 rose 0.24 per cent to 9,962.83 from Thursday's finish despite sliding German retail sales.
The euro held near the lowest level since mid-February, weighed down by expectations of a cut to eurozone interest rates next week by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Stocks in Europe had edged higher on Thursday in subdued deals because of the Ascension Day holiday in parts of the continent.
"Trading volume remains subdued (Friday) with many traders in countries where markets were closed yesterday having opted to take off and to enjoy an extended weekend," said analyst Markus Huber at broker Peregrine & Black.
"European shares are trading little changed as a strong close in the US last night has been somewhat neutralised by mixed markets across Asia."
In London, mining companies topped the FTSE fallers board on mounting worries about weaker commodities demand from Asian powerhouse China.
Anglo American shares sank 3.14 per cent to 1,496.5 pence, Rio Tinto shed 3.04 per cent to 3,091.43 pence and Fresnillo dropped 2.83 per cent to 811.36 pence.
BHP Billiton was down 2.09 per cent at 1,900 pence, Randgold dipped 1.34 per cent to 4,432 pence and Antofagasta lost 1.31 per cent to 794 pence.
"Some worrying news from China sent miners lower," said analyst Chris Beauchamp at traders IG.
"Government figures indicated manufacturing growth was weakening, contradicting recent signs of improvement in the economy and providing an excuse for some selling in raw materials."
In Paris, shares in BNP Paribas bank slumped 4.98 per cent to 50.03 euros on a report that US justice authorities may fine it more than $10 billion (7.4 billion euros) on charges it broke sanctions against Iran, Sudan and Cuba.
Trading generally was downbeat as dealers awaited next week's crucial ECB interest rate decision.
The Frankfurt-based central bank has already signalled that it was comfortable with easing monetary conditions, hinting at a possible interest rate cut when it meets next Thursday.
In foreign exchange deals on Friday, the euro stood at $1.3613, up from $1.3601 late in New York on Thursday.
The European single currency eased to 81.34 British pence from 81.36 pence.
The British pound increased to $1.6735 from $1.6716 on Thursday.
The price of gold eased to $1,254.43 an ounce from $1,255 Thursday on the London Bullion Market.
The London stock market failed to win a boost from Britain's brightening economic outlook.
Consumer confidence continued to improve in May, reaching the highest level for more than nine years, data showed from research firm GfK.
