European Stocks Mixed, Gold Price Gains As Geopolitical Tensions Keep Investors Cautious

Frankfurt (April11) European stocks were mixed in early Tuesday trading as gold shares supported markets in London but broader geopolitical concerns trimmed gains elsewhere amid speculation of potential military action in Syria, an escalation of tensions in North Korea and troubling election poll data in France.

The region-wide Stoxx Europe 600 index was marked 0.06% lower in the opening hour of trading at 381.01 points, with Germany's DAX leading Continental benchmarks to the downside with a 23 point decline. Britain's FTSE 100, however, was marked 30 points to the good on the back of solid gains for Randgold Resources (GOLD) and Fresnillio plc  (FNLPF)  amid an ongoing rise in global gold prices, which tested 5-week highs in early trading and were last seen changing hands at $1,257 per ounce.

Barclays plc (BCS) shares were also another mover of note, extending declines amid reports of a Department of Justice probe into attempts by CEO Jes Staley to reveal the author of a letter that criticised the hiring of a senior bank executive.

The New York Post reported late Monday that the DoJ was looking into both Barclays and the U.S. Postal Service and said Staley had asked bank staff to contact postal inspectors in order to trace the author of two "whistleblower" letters sent to Board members after the hiring of Tim Main.Barclays officials declined to comment when contacted by TheStreet and referred to a formal statement published Monday which indicated that the Board has "promptly notified the (Financial Conduct Authority) and the (Prudential Regulation Authority) and other relevant authorities."

Source: TheStreet