European stocks declined in the early session of trade on  Friday, on concern the slowdown in global economic growth will hamper corporate earnings and prediction of further credit market losses.

UK`s benchmark index FTSE 100 declined 30.50 points, or 0.57%, to trade at  5,331.80.

French benchmark index CAC 40 slipped 20.92 points, or 0.48%, to  4,327.07.

Germany`s benchmark index DAX dropped 50.47 points, or 0.78%, to trade at 6,390.23. (1.30 p.m., IST)