European markets opened lower on Friday after data showed industrial production in the United Kingdom declined by 0.1% and the country's gross domestic product (GDP) fell 2.6% in November. Additionally, investors continued to worry about COVID-19 lockdowns worldwide and record daily jumps in new cases in a number of countries, including Spain and Mexico.

The DAX lost 0.54% at 9:01 am CET with Fresenius declining 1.36% at 9:05 am CET. The FTSE 100 decreased by 0.45% at 9 am CET as DS Smith fell 4.02% at 9:02 am CET. The CAC 40 was down 0.55% at 9:01 am CET. Carrefour led the losses in the French index, dropping 4.88% at the same time.

The euro traded 0.27% in the red against the dollar, going for 1.21292 at 9:03 am CET. The pound was 0.25% lower compared to the greenback at 9:04 am CET, changing hands at 1.36588.