European stocks are falling on falling mining stocks and interest rate fears

European stocks opened lower on Wednesday, weighed down by a drop in mining stocks due to a fall in metals prices, and strong economic data raised concerns that interest rates will remain high for a longer period.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 0.4 percent by 0809 GMT. Investors are also awaiting the publication of the minutes of the latest Federal Reserve meeting, scheduled for later today.

The European basic resources index fell 1.4 percent, as mining stocks tracked the decline in copper prices, which in turn were affected by concerns about the outlook for demand from China.

Data on Tuesday showed that economic activities in France and Germany returned to growth, and the recovery in business activities in the United States supported views that interest rates in the American economy as well as Europe will remain high for a longer period.

Bucking the trend, Stellantis rose 1.9 percent after the automaker said its operating profit grew 17 percent in the second half of last year, supported by a strong production and pricing combination.