U.S. stocks led a renewed rout in equities worldwide as concern that China's slowing economy will hamper global growth roiled financial markets.

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index swooned into September with its third-biggest loss in 2015 as the beating that erased $5.7 trillion from the value of global equities in August continued. Crude tumbled the most in two months, emerging assets plunged and a measure of risk premium on high-yield debt jumped. Demand surged for haven assets from Treasuries to gold.

The S&P 500 dropped 3 percent at 4 p.m. in New York after plunging 6.3 percent in August for its worst month since 2012. It has fallen 1.1 percent on average in September going back to 1927, the most of any month according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Asian shares started Tuesday's selloff after a gauge of Chinese manufacturing fell to a three-year low. European stocks followed after a reports pointed to weaker growth in the region, and the slump spread to the U.S. amid data showing the slowest expansion in manufacturing in two years. Treasuries and gold climbed while oil tumbled after entering a bull market. The yen strengthened the most among major currencies.

Trading in U.S. equities has been volatile. Last week alone, the S&P 500 plunged the most since 2011 to enter a correction before rallying more than 6 percent over two days for its best back-to-back gains since the beginning of the bull market in 2009. Selling resumed Monday after Federal Reserve officials signaled they are preparing to raise rates as soon as this month.

The Chicago Board Options Volatility Index jumped 14 percent Tuesday after posting its biggest monthly advance in data going back to 1990.

Stocks in emerging countries also picked up where they left off in August, sliding by 2.4 percent Tuesday. A slowdown in China has repercussions for countries from Brazil to Russia and South Africa, which rely on demand from the world's second-largest economy for exports of goods. The prospects of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates as soon as this month is also weighing on sentiment.

The Fed is scrutinizing data to determine the timing and pace of its first interest-rate increase since 2006. Attention will focus this week on the government's August jobs report, due Friday, as the last major data point before the Fed's meeting on Sept. 16-17.

Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren said Tuesday uncertainty over inflation and global growth justifies a modest pace of interest-rate increases, regardless of when the central bank begins tightening.

Futures traders are betting the Fed will push back a rate increase to later this year. The likelihood they assign an increase in September has fallen to 38 percent, down from 48 percent two weeks ago, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The chances assume that the federal funds rate will average 0.375 percent after the first hike.

The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday joined private forecasters including Citigroup Inc. and Morgan Stanley in anticipating slower expansion as China's growth weakens and Brazil's economy shrinks.

Polish equity market retreated on Tuesday. The broad market measure, the WIG Index, lost 1.93%. All sectors, but for real estate (+0.04%), were down. Banking sector (-2.75%) fared the worst, followed by oil and gas sector (-2.36%) and utilities (-2.21%).

The large-cap stocks' measure, the WIG30 Index, declined by 2.14%. There were only four gainers among the index components. BOGDANKA (WSE: LWB) was the best-performing name, climbing by 5.67%. It was followed by GTC (WSE: GTC), EUROCASH (WSE: EUR) and TVN (WSE: TVN), returning 1.69%, 1.44% and 0.87% respectively. On the other side of the ledger, BORYSZEW (WSE: BRS) was the weakest performer, slumping by 10.65%. Other major decliners included PEKAO (WSE: PEO), KGHM (WSE: KGH), LPP (WSE: LPP), PKN ORLEN (WSE: PKN), PKO BP (WSE: PKO) and SYNTHOS (WSE: SNS), dropping between 3% and 4%.

Stock indices closed lower on concerns over a slowdown in the global economy. The Chinese stock market declined on the weak Chinese manufacturing and services PMIs on Tuesday. The Chinese manufacturing PMI declined to 49.7 in August from 50.0 in July, in line with expectations, according to the Chinese government. It was the lowest level since August 2012.

A reading above the 50 mark indicates expansion, a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

"There is insufficient growth momentum in the country's manufacturing sector," Zhao Qinghe, an economist at the National Bureau of Statistics, said.

The services PMI fell to 53.4 in August from 53.9 in July.

The final Chinese Markit/Caixin manufacturing PMI declined to 47.3 in August from 47.8 in July, beating the preliminary reading of a fall to 47.1. It was the lowest level since March 2009. The decline was driven by falls in total new orders and new export business.

The Caixin/Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for China dropped to 51.5 in August from 53.8 in July, missing expectations for a rise to 53.9. The decline was driven by a weaker increase in new orders.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday that the global growth will be weaker than expected earlier due to a slower recovery in advanced economies and a further slowdown in emerging economies.

Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone was positive. Eurozone's unemployment rate declined to 10.9% in July from 11.1% in June. It was the lowest level since February 2012. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 11.1%.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the Eurozone on Tuesday. Eurozone's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 52.3 in August from 52.4 in July, down from a preliminary reading of 52.4.

The Federal Labour Agency released its unemployment figures for Germany on Tuesday. The number of unemployed people in Germany declined by 7,000 in August, exceeding expectations for a 2,000 decline, after a 8,000 rise in July. July's figure was revised down from a 9,000 increase.

Markit Economics released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. on Tuesday. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply manufacturing PMI for the U.K. decreased to 51.5 in August from 51.9 in July, missing expectations for a rise to 52.0.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The decline was driven by a drop in purchase prices. Average costs showed the steepest decline during the past 16 years.

Indexes on the close:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,058.54 -189.40 -3.03 %

DAX 10,015.57 -243.89 -2.38 %

CAC 40 4,541.16 -111.79 -2.40 %

Major U.S. stock-indexes are lower on Tuesday after weak data from China heightened fears of a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy and its effect on global growth. Data showed that China's manufacturing sector shrank at its fastest pace in three years. The services sector, one of the lone bright spots in the country's economy, also showed signs of cooling. China's official manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 49.7 in August from 50.0 in July.

All Dow stocks in negative area (30 of 30). Top looser - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM, -3.43%).

All S&P index sectors in negative area. Top looser - Basic Materials (-3.1%).

At the moment:

Dow 16219.00 -289.00 -1.75%

S&P 500 1934.75 -34.50 -1.75%

Nasdaq 100 4219.75 -52.00 -1.22%

10 Year yield 2,19% -0,01

Oil 46.21 -2.99 -6.08%

Gold 1139.60 +7.10 +0.63%

European Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici said on Tuesday that he is confident that recent market developments in China will not destabilise the European economy.

"We are carefully monitoring economic and financial developments in China and Russia. I am convinced that the recent developments on markets are not such as to destabilise the European economy," he said.

He added that there is no need to change EU's growth forecasts for 2015.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde said on Tuesday that the global growth will be weaker than expected earlier due to a slower recovery in advanced economies and a further slowdown in emerging economies.

"Overall, we expect global growth to remain moderate and likely weaker than we anticipated last July. This reflects two forces: a weaker than expected recovery in advanced economies, and a further slowdown in emerging economies, especially in Latin America," she said.

The IMF managing director warned emerging countries to "be vigilant for spillovers" from a slowdown in the Chinese economy.

Lagarde noted that the Chinese economy was slowing as it adjusts to a new growth model.

"The transition to a more market-based economy and the unwinding of risks built up in recent years is complex and could well be somewhat bumpy," she said.

The Italian statistical office Istat released its unemployment data on Tuesday. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 12.0% in July from 12.5 in June. It was the lowest level since February 2013.

The number of unemployed people was 3.074 million in July, down by 4.4% from the month before.

The youth unemployment rate fell to 40.5% in July from 43.0% in June. It was the lowest youth unemployment rate since July 2013.

The employment rate increased to 56.3% in July from 56.2% in June.

The U.S. Commerce Department released construction spending data on Tuesday. Construction spending in the U.S. rose 0.7% in July, exceeding expectations for a 0.6% gain, after a 0.7% increase in June. June's figure was revised up from a 0.1% rise.

The increase was driven by a rise in private construction. Private construction spending climbed 1.3% in July.

Spending on private non-residential construction projects increased 1.5% in July, while spending on private residential construction was up 1.1%.

Public construction spending decreased 1.0% in July.

The Institute for Supply Management released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index for the U.S. on Tuesday. The index declined to 51.1 in August from 52.7 in July, missing expectations for a fall to 52.6. It was the lowest level since May of 2013.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, below indicates contraction.

The decline was partly driven by a fall in new orders. The new orders index dropped to 51.7 in August from 56.5 in July.

The employment index was down to 51.2 in August from 52.7 in July.

The production index declined to 53.6 in August from 56.0 in July.

The price index declined to 39.0 in August from 44.0 in July.

The final Markit/Nikkei manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Japan increased to 51.7 in August from 51.2 in July, down from the preliminary reading of 51.9.

A reading below 50 indicates contraction of activity.

The index was driven by an improvement in operating conditions and by a rise new orders, output and employment.

"Operating conditions in the Japanese manufacturing sector improved noticeably in the latest survey period, with new order growth accelerating to a seven-month high. This was also supported by increases in both production and employment," economist at Markit, Amy Brownbill, said.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.S. on Tuesday. The U.S. final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) decreased to 53.0 in August from 53.8 in July, up from the previous estimate of 52.9.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion in economic activity.

The decline was driven by the slower growth in output, new orders and employment.

New export work fell in August.

"August's survey highlights that the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to struggle under the weight of the strong dollar and heightened global economic uncertainty, but resilient domestic spending and subdued cost pressures are keeping the recovery on track. Reflecting this, new orders from abroad have now fallen in four of the past five months, which represents the weakest phase of manufacturing export performance since late-2012," Markit's Senior Economist Tim Moore said.

The Italian statistical office Istat released its final gross domestic product (GDP) data for Greece on Tuesday. The Italian final GDP increased 0.3% in the second quarter, after a 0.4% rise in the first quarter.

On a yearly basis, Italian final GDP rose 0.7% in the second quarter, after a 0.2% increase in the first quarter.

Final consumption expenditure climbed by 0.3% in the second quarter, gross fixed capital formation fell by 0.3%, imports and exports jumped by 2.2% and 1.2% respectively.

U.S. Stock-Index futures tumble as China growth concern deepens.

Global Stocks:

Nikkei 18,165.69 -724.79 -3.84%

Hang Seng 21,185.43 -485.15 -2.24%

Shanghai Composite 3,165.07 -40.91 -1.28%

FTSE 6,057.36 -190.58 -3.05%

CAC 4,518.08 -134.87 -2.90%

DAX 9,962.54 -296.92 -2.89%

Crude oil $47.25 (-3.98%)

Gold $1139.10 (+0.58%)

(company / ticker / price / change, % / volume)

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Greece on Tuesday. Greece's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) jumped to 39.1 in August from 30.2 in July.

The decline was driven by falls in new orders and production.

Employment declined for fifth successive month.

"Overall, the headline PMI reading paints a disconcerting picture of the health of the Greek economy, as uncertainty builds around the nation's future political and financial position," Markit economist Samuel Agass said.

Upgrades:

Downgrades:

Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Citigroup

Other:

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Italy on Tuesday. Italy's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) plunged to 53.8 in August from 55.3 in July. It was the lowest level since August 2014.

The output and new orders rose in June, while the employment was up, smallest increase since January.

Input prices declined for first time in six months due to lower material costs.

"August's PMI data showed a further expansion of production in Italy's manufacturing sector, led by another strong performance among capital goods producers. However, data pointed to some loss of growth momentum, with output, new orders, employment and purchasing activity all rising at slower rates than in July," Markit economist Phil Smith said.

Statistics Canada released GDP (gross domestic product) growth data on Tuesday. Canada's GDP growth rose 0.5% in June, exceeding expectations for a 0.2% increase, after a 0.2% drop in May.

On a quarterly basis, GDP fell 0.1% in the second quarter, missing expectations for a 0.2% rise, after 0.2% decline in the first quarter. The first quarter's figure was revised down from a 0.1% decrease.

Household final consumption expenditure was up 0.6% in the second quarter as spending on durable goods and semi-durable goods rose.

Final domestic demand was flat in the second quarter.

Exports of goods and services rose 0.1% in the second quarter, while imports of goods and services declined 0.4%.

The mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction sector plunged 4.5% in the second quarter.

Business gross fixed capital formation dropped 2.0% in the second quarter.

On a yearly basis, GDP declined 0.5% in the second quarter, beating expectations for a 0.5% fall, after 0.8% drop in the first quarter. The first quarter's figure was revised down from a 0.6% decline.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Spain on Tuesday. Spain's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) declined to 53.2 in August from 53.6 in July. It was the lowest level since October 2014.

The decline was driven by a slower increase in new orders. It was the weakest pace of new orders since December 2013.

"Growth of new work continued to ease at Spanish manufacturers in August, providing further evidence of a slowdown in the sector," a senior economist at Markit Andrew Harker said.

He added that "any signs of increasing inflationary pressure seen during Q2 have dissipated".

Stock indices traded lower on concerns over a slowdown in the global economy. The Chinese stock market declined on the weak Chinese manufacturing and services PMIs. The Chinese manufacturing PMI declined to 49.7 in August from 50.0 in July, in line with expectations, according to the Chinese government. It was the lowest level since August 2012.

A reading above the 50 mark indicates expansion, a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

"There is insufficient growth momentum in the country's manufacturing sector," Zhao Qinghe, an economist at the National Bureau of Statistics, said.

The services PMI fell to 53.4 in August from 53.9 in July.

The final Chinese Markit/Caixin manufacturing PMI declined to 47.3 in August from 47.8 in July, beating the preliminary reading of a fall to 47.1. It was the lowest level since March 2009. The decline was driven by falls in total new orders and new export business.

The Caixin/Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for China dropped to 51.5 in August from 53.8 in July, missing expectations for a rise to 53.9. The decline was driven by a weaker increase in new orders.

Meanwhile, the economic data from the Eurozone was positive. Eurozone's unemployment rate declined to 10.9% in July from 11.1% in June. It was the lowest level since February 2012. Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 11.1%.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the Eurozone on Tuesday. Eurozone's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 52.3 in August from 52.4 in July, down from a preliminary reading of 52.4.

The Federal Labour Agency released its unemployment figures for Germany on Tuesday. The number of unemployed people in Germany declined by 7,000 in August, exceeding expectations for a 2,000 decline, after a 8,000 rise in July. July's figure was revised down from a 9,000 increase.

Markit Economics released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. on Tuesday. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply manufacturing PMI for the U.K. decreased to 51.5 in August from 51.9 in July, missing expectations for a rise to 52.0.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The decline was driven by a drop in purchase prices. Average costs showed the steepest decline during the past 16 years.

Current figures:

Name Price Change Change %

FTSE 100 6,100.88 -147.06 -2.35 %

DAX 9,985.69 -273.77 -2.67 %

Credit Suisse released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Switzerland on Tuesday. The manufacturing purchasing managers' index in Switzerland climbed to 52.2 in August from 48.7 in July, exceeding expectations for an increase to 49.7. It was the highest reading since December 2014.

The increase was largely driven by a rise in production. The production was up to 62.4, the highest level since December 2010

Purchase prices decreased 4.1 points to 36.1 points in August, while the backlog of orders sub-index rose by 3.9 points to 52.4.

The Bank of England (BoE) released its number of mortgages approvals for the U.K. on Tuesday. The number of mortgages approvals in the U.K. was up to 68,764 in July from 67,069 in June, exceeding expectations for an increase to 68,000. It was the highest reading since February 2014.

The BoE introduced tighter rules on mortgage lending last year. Lenders have to make more checks on whether borrowers can afford their loans.

Consumer credit in the U.K. declined by £1.173 billion in July, after a rise by £1.230 billion in June.

Net lending to individuals in the U.K. increased by £3.9 billion in July, after a £3.9 billion gain in June.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for France on Monday. France's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) dropped to 48.3 in August from 49.6 in July, down from the preliminary reading of 48.6.

The decline was driven by decreases in output, new orders, employment and prices charged.

"The French manufacturing sector slipped further into contraction during August, led by a sharper decline in new orders. The fragile demand environment shows no sign of abating, with another round of output price reductions unable to prevent the latest drop in new work. Correspondingly, manufacturers cut stock levels further and reduced headcounts, as the prospects of a revival continue to look weak," Markit Senior Economist Jack Kennedy said.

The Federal Labour Agency released its unemployment figures for Germany on Tuesday. The number of unemployed people in Germany declined by 7,000 in August, exceeding expectations for a 2,000 decline, after a 8,000 rise in July. July's figure was revised down from a 9,000 increase.

The number of unemployed people was 1.97 million in July, according to Destatis.

Germany's adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4% in July, in line with expectations.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for Germany on Tuesday. Germany's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 53.3 in August from 51.8 in July, up from a preliminary reading of 53.2.

The increase was driven by a rise in new orders and employment.

"August's business survey results provide some encouraging news for Germany's goods-producing sector. The headline PMI rose to a 16-month high, fuelled by accelerated growth of both output and new orders. Moreover, we saw rising workloads feed through to notable employment gains, with the rate of job creation the strongest since January 2012," Markit economist Oliver Kolodseike said.

Markit Economics released its final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the Eurozone on Tuesday. Eurozone's final manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 52.3 in August from 52.4 in July, down from a preliminary reading of 52.4.

"While there remain pockets of strength in a number of national domestic markets, August also saw signs of that being matched by a step up in export demand. Export order inflows rose at a faster pace, although we will have to wait and see if recent concerns regarding a slowdown in China filter through to the figures in coming months," Rob Dobson, Senior Economist at Markit said.

Eurostat released its unemployment data for the Eurozone on Tuesday. Eurozone's unemployment rate declined to 10.9% in July from 11.1% in June. It was the lowest level since February 2012.

Analysts had expected the unemployment rate to remain unchanged at 11.1%.

There were 17.532 million unemployed in the Eurozone in July, down 213,000 from June.

The lowest unemployment rate in the Eurozone in April was recorded in Germany (4.7%), and the highest in Greece (25.0% in May 2015) and Spain (22.2%).

The youth unemployment rate was 21.9% in the Eurozone in July, compared to 23.8% in July a year ago.

Markit Economics released its manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for the U.K. on Tuesday. The Markit/Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply manufacturing PMI for the U.K. decreased to 51.5 in August from 51.9 in July, missing expectations for a rise to 52.0.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion.

The decline was driven by a drop in purchase prices. Average costs showed the steepest decline during the past 16 years.

"Some of the underlying dynamics of the manufacturing survey did improve in August, such as the indices for output and new orders ticking higher, but the sector remains highly dependent on the domestic market, especially the consumer, to eke out any growth," Markit's Senior Economist Rob Dobson said.

The final Chinese Markit/Caixin manufacturing PMI declined to 47.3 in August from 47.8 in July, beating the preliminary reading of a fall to 47.1. It was the lowest level since March 2009.

The decline was driven by falls in total new orders and new export business.

"The final Caixin China Manufacturing PMI for August continued to retreat, with sub-indices signalling continued weak demand in the markets for goods and factors of production. Recent volatilities in global financial markets could weigh down on the real economy, and a pessimistic outlook may become self-fulfilling," Dr. He Fan, Chief Economist at Caixin Insight Group, said.

The Caixin/Markit Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for China dropped to 51.5 in August from 53.8 in July, missing expectations for a rise to 53.9.

The decline was driven by a weaker increase in new orders.

"The headline Caixin China Services PMI remained above the 50-point mark that separates growth from contraction in August, but the increase in activity was smaller than in July, driven in part by a softer expansion in the financial services sector caused to some extent by stock market fluctuations," Dr. He Fan said.

The Chinese manufacturing PMI declined to 49.7 in August from 50.0 in July, in line with expectations, according to the Chinese government. It was the lowest level since August 2012.

A reading above the 50 mark indicates expansion, a reading below 50 indicates contraction.

"There is insufficient growth momentum in the country's manufacturing sector," Zhao Qinghe, an economist at the National Bureau of Statistics, said.

The services PMI fell to 53.4 in August from 53.9 in July.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept unchanged its interest rate at 2.00% on Tuesday. This decision was expected by analysts.

The RBA Governor Glenn Stevens said that the board' decision was appropriate at this meeting.

He said that the economic growth was "below longer-term averages", growth of employment was stronger, and "domestic inflationary pressures have been contained".

Stevens pointed out that "monetary policy needs to be accommodative", and it "will most effectively foster sustainable growth and inflation consistent with the target".

The central lowered its interest rate twice this year.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics released its building permits data on Tuesday. Building permits in Australia jumped 4.2% in July, exceeding expectations for a 2.5% gain, after a 5.2% drop in June. June's figure was revised up from a 8.2% decline.

On a yearly basis, building permits climbed 13.4% in July, after a 8.6% increase in June.

The seasonally adjusted estimate of the value of total building approved was up 7.8% in July, after a 2.9% decrease in the previous month.

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday that she is confident that Greece will fulfil its obligations on the third bailout programme.

"I expect that Greece will meet its obligation," she said.

Greece already received the first tranche of €86 billion bailout package.

Goldman Sachs downgraded its growth forecasts for China on Monday. The bank expect the Chinese economy to expand 6.4% in 2016, down from the previous forecast of 6.7%, 6.1% in 2017, down from the previous forecast of 6.5%, and 5.8% in 2018, down from the previous forecast of 6.2%.

Goldman Sachs' forecasts are based on labour, capital and productivity.

"In China's case, each of these three components is expected to decelerate: labour due to demographics, capital deepening as the capital share of the economy comes down from exceptionally high levels, and total factor productivity growth as the economy narrows the gap with the richest economies," the bank said.

U.S. stock indices fell on Monday amid concerns over China's economy and an imminent rate increase by the Federal Reserve.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 114 points, or 0.7%, to 16,528. The S&P 500 fell 16 points, or 0.8%, to 1,972. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 52 points, or 1.1%, to 4,776. The indices ended August with losses of 6.6%, 6.3% and 6.9% respectively.

Data showed yesterday that Chicago Purchasing Managers' Index declined significantly in August despite expectations for further growth. The index fell to 54.4 compared to 54.7 in July. Analysts expected an increase to 54.9. The index was weighed by output and new orders sub-indices. Nevertheless these sub-indices remained above their 12-month averages.

This morning in Asia Hong Kong Hang Seng declined 0.47%, or 101.44 points, to 21,569.14. China Shanghai Composite Index dropped 1.06%, or 33.96 points, to 3,172.03. The Nikkei plunged 2.14%, or 404.22 points, to 18,486.26.

Asian stocks fell amid declines in U.S. equities and disappointing data from China. The country's official manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) fell to 49.7 in August from 50 in July, slipping below the 50 points threshold that separates expansion from contraction.

(index / closing price / change items /% change)

Nikkei 225 18,890.48 -245.84 -1.28 %

Hang Seng 21,670.58 +58.19 +0.27 %

S&P/ASX 200 5,206.98 -56.58 -1.07 %

Shanghai Composite 3,207.07 -25.28 -0.78 %

FTSE 100 6,247.94 +55.91 +0.90 %

CAC 40 4,652.95 -22.18 -0.47 %

Xetra DAX 10,259.46 -39.07 -0.38 %

S&P 500 1,972.18 -16.69 -0.84 %

NASDAQ Composite 4,776.51 -51.82 -1.07 %

Dow Jones 16,528.03 -114.98 -0.69 %