European equity markets slid on Thursday as softening commodities prices took the shine off mining and metals stocks while a profit warning from Credit Suisse kept the spotlight on credit market worries.

The pan-European FTSE Eurofirst 300 lost 0.3 per cent to 1,227.03, in Germany Xetra Dax fell 0.7 per cent to 6,319.99 and France’s CAC 40 fell 0.5 per cent to 4,533.72 while in London the FTSE 100 fell 0.9 per cent to 5,495.2.