European stock markets fell at the open, with declines on Wall Street and in Asian markets overnight adding weight to worries about the endurance of the U.S. economic recovery.

Renault swung to a larger-than-expected net profit in the first half, as sales surged despite the phasing out of government incentives to spur demand.

Gangsters, drug dealers and money launderers—fans of the €500 note—are playing their part in helping shore up the financial stability of the euro zone.