LONDON: European stock markets took a breather yesterday following the best New Year start since 2003 as investors looked ahead to a big week of economic data releases around the world.

In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was up 3.87 points, or 0.1 percent, at 5,504.21 while Germany's DAX fell 4.94 points, or 0.1 percent, to 6,043.36. The CAC-40 in France was 5.46 points, or 0.1 percent, lower at 4,008.51.

On Monday, stock markets, particularly in Europe and the US, kicked off the year with a flyer after strong manufacturing data stoked hopes that the economic recovery this year may be stronger than anticipated.