Concerns linked to China bring European stocks to their lowest level in a week

European stocks fell on Tuesday to their lowest levels in a week, as weak economic data in China stoked fears about a slowing recovery while investors awaited the release of local data that could provide clues to the European Central Bank’s plans for monetary tightening.

The European STOXX 600 index fell 0.6 percent by 0709 GMT, continuing to record losses for the fifth session.

Sectors exposed to China, such as luxury goods and building materials, were among the biggest losers in Europe after data showed that services activity in China grew in August at the slowest pace in eight months.

The final reading of euro zone business activity, due later on Tuesday, is expected to confirm a contraction in August.

Roche Pharmaceuticals shares fell 1.1 percent after Berenberg Financial Brokerage lowered its recommendation for the Swiss company’s stock from “buy” to “wait”, saying it did not see enough incentives to support the stock.

Credit Agricole Bank shares fell 3.0 percent after Goldman Sachs lowered its recommendation for the French bank’s shares to “sell,” while Commerzbank shares fell 3.3 percent after Barclays lowered its rating for the German bank’s shares to “not to hold and not to buy.”