European shares opened lower on Tuesday as fears of an economic slowdown and rising geopolitical tensions dampened sentiment.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 was down 0.68% in early deals with most major continental bourses lower.
Weak manufacturing data from the US, eurozone and China stoked worries of a recession. Investors were also watching US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was expected to visit Taiwan.
In equity news, shares in energy giant BP rose as the London-listed company posted an estimate-busting rise in second-quarter profits.
Greggs shares were higher as the UK bakery chain maintained guidance after a rise in half-year sales.
Raiffeissen Bank surged after strong half-year results.
Reporting by Frank Prenesti at Sharecast.com
