European stocks drift lower; weak Chinese inflation data weighs

Investing.com - European stock markets traded lower Monday, as weak Chinese inflation data raised concerns about the health of the world's second-largest economy.

At 03:30 ET (07:30 GMT), the DAX index in Germany traded 0.4% lower, the CAC 40 in France fell 0.4%, while the FTSE 100 in the U.K. traded 0.1% lower.

Chinese prices data raises disinflation concerns

Data released earlier Monday showed that China’s consumer prices slipped 0.2% on the month in June to leave the annual figure completely flat, at its slowest since 2021.

Additionally, producer prices fell 5.4% on the year in June, dropping at the fastest pace in seven-and-a-half years.

These numbers suggest the Chinese authorities will look to ease monetary and fiscal policy further, but they also suggest Beijing faces a serious challenge to avoid an outright deflationary spiral.

This would have a hefty impact on corporate Europe, given the importance of the Chinese market for European exporters.

U.S. inflation is the week’s key release

This week also sees the release of June inflation data in Europe, but there will be more of a focus on the U.S., with Wednesday’s release expected to show that the consumer price index rose at an annual rate of 3.1% in June, which would be the slowest increase since March 2021.

The data comes after Friday’s June jobs report which all but ensured the Fed will resume rate hikes later this month.

Kering pays €3.5 billion for Creed

The second-quarter reporting season starts shortly, but ahead of this, Kering (EPA:PRTP) stock fell 0.5% after the Financial Times reported that the Gucci owner paid a hefty €3.5 billion (€1 = $1.0951) for acquiring high-end French fragrance label Creed in June.

Rising interest rates have caused investors to look carefully at debt-laden companies.

Casino Guichard Perrachon (EPA:CASP) stock fell over 3% as investors fretted over the €3 billion of debt maturing in the next two years, with the troubled French retailer having until end-July to agree on a restructuring plan.

Thames Water said on Monday investors had agreed to invest a further £750 million (£1 = $1.2803) as it struggles to service £14 billion of borrowings.

Oil slips on Chinese demand concerns

Oil prices fell Monday after the Chinese inflation data increased concerns that the recovery of the world's second-largest economy, and largest crude importer, was slowing.

By 03:30 ET, the U.S. crude futures traded 0.9% lower at $73.20 a barrel, while the Brent contract dropped 0.9% to $77.78.

Both benchmarks gained more than 4% last week to touch their highest marks since May, boosted by the world's biggest oil exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia announcing plans to deepen supply cuts in August.

Additionally, gold futures fell 0.1% to $1,929.95/oz, while EUR/USD traded 0.1% lower at 1.0955.