Europe open: Shares edge ahead after weak Asia data

European stocks made a cautious start to trading on Tuesday after a weak session in New York and a mixed day in Asia.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 0.10% at 0827 GMT. All major bourses were up bar the UK FTSE 100 which was flat after Britain's unemployment rate rose to 3.6% in the three months to September.

Sentiment was knocked by data showing Chinese retail sales and factory output were by Covid-19 restrictions. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy unexpectedly shrank for the first time in a year in the third quarter.

In equity news, shares in Vodafone fell as the telecoms giant said it expected annual earnings to be at the lower end of guidance.

BAE Systems gained as it tipped forecast more growth in 2023 on elevated geopolitical tensions.

Danish medical equipment maker Ambu fell 15% as fourth quarter results disappointed investors.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com