European stock markets opened mixed, with gains in defense stocks driven by escalating geopolitical tensions offset by declines in energy stocks. The UK’s FTSE 100 opened 0.25% lower than Tuesday’s record high, with oil giant BP down 2.75% and National Westminster Bank edging down 2.7%. Elsewhere, the FTSE MIB index in Milan rose 0.15%, boosted by defense companies, with Leonardo up 2.1% and shipbuilder Fincantieri surging 1.7%. Germany’s DAX index climbed 0.5%, driven by gains in stocks such as Siemens and Bayer. Spain’s IBEX 35 fell 0.2% as banking and energy stocks declined, while France’s CAC 40 edged down 0.05%, with gains in defense stocks offset by losses in energy and luxury goods shares. Investors are currently closely watching the eurozone’s December inflation data and key U.S. employment figures.