Stock indices traded lower. Concerns over a slowdown in Chinese economy weighed on markets. Market participants are awaiting the release of Chinese preliminary HSBC manufacturing purchasing managers' index on Tuesday. Analysts expect the HSBC manufacturing purchasing managers' index to decline to 50.0 in September from 50.2 in August. That could provide more evidence of a slowdown in Chinese economy.
Comments by China's Finance Minister Lou Jiwei damped speculation the government will boost economic stimulus measures.
Germany's Bundesbank released its monthly report today. Bundesbank said the country's economy remains robust. Bundesbank added that the general economic trend will stay positive despite the slowing pace of expansion in the first half of 2014.
European Central Bank President Mario Draghi will speak in the European Parliament later in the day.
Current figures:
Name Price Change Change %
FTSE 6,785.2 -52.72 -0.77%
DAX 9,791.72 -7.54 -0.08%
CAC 40 4,457.56 -3.66 -0.08%