European Equity Markets Stay Subdued on MondayEuropean equity markets remained slightly in the red on Monday, with the STOXX 50 edging 0.1% lower and the broader STOXX 600 retreating 0.2%, as investors digested a slew of economic data while remaining cautious ahead of the upcoming release of US inflation figures, which are expected to provide insights into the potential trajectory of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy.
The latest reports from the Eurozone showed a 0.3% decline in retail sales during November, while the economic sentiment indicator rose firmly in December to a seven-month high, driven by improvements in morale across all sectors.
Elsewhere, concerns about the potential escalation of conflicts in the Middle East and persistent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea added to worries about the trajectory of global inflationary pressures. Finally, the traditional earnings season kicks off on Friday when major US lenders announce fourth-quarter results.
