European stocks tumbled on Monday, dragged down by the energy sector amid fears of a global economic slowdown intensified by disappointing Chinese economic data and a contraction in euro zone manufacturing activity.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.1%, reversing earlier gains at the end of a volatile session.

Factories in the United States, Europe and Asia struggled to gain momentum in July as sluggish global demand and Chinese Covid-19 restrictions took a toll on output, surveys showed that stoked fears of a recession.

Energy stocks tumbled 1.5%, breaking six straight days of gains as oil prices fell sharply after the global manufacturing data.

“The picture painted is looking increasingly bleak for the European Union, and a detailed analysis of the numbers shows lower sales, decreasing rates of new orders and exports and large increases in inventories,” said Stuart Cole, chief macroeconomist at Equiti Capital. .

“The expectation is that manufacturers will further cut production going forward.”

In LONDON, the Financial Times index fell 0.13% to 7,413.42 points.

In FRANKFURT, the DAX index fell 0.03% to 13,479.63 points.

In PARIS, the CAC-40 index lost 0.18% to 6,436.86 points.

In MILAN, the Ftse/Mib index appreciated by 0.11%, at 22,429.47 points.

In MADRID, the Ibex-35 index registered a drop of 0.87%, at 8,085.10 points.

In LISBON, the PSI20 index depreciated by 0.43%, to 6,096.99 points.