Europe open: Shares open lower as rate rises fuel slowdown fears

European shares were lower at the open on Friday as the prospect of continuing rate rises to stymie inflation fuelled fears of slowdown and recession.

The pan-regional Stoxx 600 index was down 0.64% at 0845 GMT, with all major continental bourses lower.

In the UK, official data showed that retail sales unexpectedly fell last month, down 0.4% after a 0.9% increase in October, missing expectations for a 0.3% jump.

Sales in October had bounced back from the impact of the additional Bank Holiday in September for the Queen’s funeral.

Separately, a survey showed that consumer confidence remains at historic lows as the poor economic climate continues to weigh heavily

The latest GfK consumer confidence index was -42, up two points on November but still only seven points off September’s record low of -49.

In equity news, Tele2 AB fell 3.9% as Citigroup cut its price target on the telecom operator's stock.

Games Workshop surged after saying it had reached an agreement in principle with Amazon Content Services for Amazon to develop its intellectual property into film and television productions.

In a brief statement, Games Workshop said its intended that rights will initially be granted to develop the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The agreement will also see the company grant Amazon associated merchandising rights.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com