European stocks fell on Tuesday as shares of heavyweight energy and healthcare companies declined, while investors assessed the potential impact of a U.S. government shutdown that could delay the release of closely watched monthly jobs data.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped 0.2% to 554.7 points, despite heading for a third consecutive monthly gain and rising more than 2% for the quarter.
Shares in major oil and gas companies fell 0.8% amid falling oil prices. French TotalEnergies and British BP shares each dropped more than 1%.
Healthcare stocks declined 0.3% after Danish Novo Nordisk and British AstraZeneca shares each fell about 1%.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said on Monday that a government shutdown has become likely following stalled financial talks with Democrats. Such a shutdown would delay jobs data, a key indicator of economic strength, which is expected later this week.
Regarding European economic data, the UK economy grew 0.3% in the second quarter, preliminary data showed inflation in France at 1.1% in September, and German retail sales unexpectedly fell in August.
British online fashion retailer ASOS shares plunged 11.4% after the company warned its annual revenue would miss market expectations.
Recommended for you
Al-Jaghbeer: The Industrial Sector Leads Economic Growth
Alternative to UNIFIL Forces
Egypt Post: We Have Over 10 Million Customers in Savings Accounts and Offer Daily, Monthly, and Annual Returns
Talib Al-Rifai Chronicles Kuwaiti Art Heritage in "Doukhi.. Tasaseem Al-Saba"
Exhibition City Completes About 80% of Preparations for the Damascus International Fair Launch
Trump Advisor: Disarming Hamas is Central.. Palestinian Authority to Take Over Gaza After Required Reforms