Europe Roundup: Weak marts

LONDON: Worries over global growth dented the mining sector yesterday, dragging back European equities which were also under pressure after earnings from heavyweight HSBC missed expectations.

By 1120 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 was 4.42 points, or 0.4 per cent lower, at 1,164.22.

The UK construction PMI hit its lowest level since October 2009 while eurozone sentiment tumbled in March due to renewed political uncertainty following Italy's inconclusive election.

Most major European indexes have edged back from multi-year highs hit around the end of January as strong gains coupled with weak corporate and macro data saw investors take a step back. Reuters