European stock markets dropped Tuesday after Seoul rebounded as traders focused on political upheaval in France and South Korea in addition to China’s latest stimulus plans.
Commodity markets were steadier after oil and gold won strong support Monday owing to an uncertain future for Syria and the wider crude-rich Middle East.
The Paris stock market retreated and the euro fell versus the dollar, as French party leaders were set to gather at President Emmanuel Macron’s Elysee Palace office to chart a route towards a new government.
Wall Street on Monday pulled back from all-time highs as investors awaited key US inflation data this week.
Stock markets struggled “amid concerns that China’s economic stimulus measures might not have a long-lasting effect”, noted Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell.