The UK FTSE 100 index opened 7.74 points higher, or 0.08%, at 9948.45 on Wednesday, December 31st; the French CAC 40 index opened 32.25 points lower, or 0.39%, at 8135.90 on Wednesday, December 31st; and the Spanish IBEX 35 index opened 77.14 points lower, or 0.44%, at 17277.76 on Wednesday, December 31st.