European stocks fall as fears of an economic recession grow

European shares extended losses for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, weighed down by fears of a lack of energy supplies, while a rise in COVID-19 infections in China exacerbated fears of a global economic recession.

The decline included most sectors such as healthcare, technology and luxury products. The oil sector made small gains.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.6 percent by 0727 GMT, after closing down 0.5 percent on Monday.

The mining sector fell 1.2 percent after several Chinese cities imposed restrictions to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, in what may be a new blow to economic growth in the second-largest economy in the world.

Shares in giant EDF jumped 6.1 percent after sources said the French government would pay more than eight billion euros ($8.05 billion) to fully nationalize the company.