London Stocks Slip as German and French Indexes Edge Higher

London stocks edged lower while German and French indexes rose slightly in early Monday trading, keeping all three benchmarks close to flat ahead of U.S. midterm elections.

London’s benchmark index fell 0.12%, with losses in large energy stocks weighing on the market. Germany’s DAX gained 0.02%, and France’s CAC 40 rose 0.04%.

The British pound climbed above $1.34, reaching its highest level since mid-September. Germany’s retail sales fell 2% in September from a year earlier.