INVESTORS in China’s mainland stock market made a beeline for bank stocks last year, making the sector the market’s top performer despite the country’s sluggish economy, a slowdown in loan growth, and concerns about a deterioration in asset quality.

European shares have opened higher after a mixed session in Asia. China reported that its economy grew at a 5% annual pace last year, hitting the government's target but slowing

Sales of consumer goods grew a moderate 3.5 percent, while hospitality sectors continued to outperform discretionary segments such as apparel, gold and jewelry.