Europe open: Shares lower on recession fears, geopolitical tension

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