European stocks opened lower on Tuesday as investors stayed away from U.S. inflation data this week and the European Central Bank's monetary policy decision, while gains in energy giant BP and mining stocks limited losses.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.2 percent by 0716 GMT after posting its strongest performance in more than two weeks on Monday.
Traders stayed away from big bets ahead of key U.S. inflation data on Wednesday and a European Central Bank decision on Thursday that could set expectations for interest rate cuts.
Among the main market movers, BP shares rose 1 percent after the company expected to increase its production of oil and gas as well as low-emission energy on a quarterly basis.
Among the sectors that contributed to limiting losses was the basic resources sector, which rose nearly one percent with copper prices in Shanghai trading at record levels amid optimism about positive factory data issued by major economies.
Shares in Atos fell 2 percent in volatile trade after the troubled French IT consultancy published an update on its financial restructuring plan.
