European stocks decline, affected by a decline in financial sector stocks

European stocks fell on Tuesday, affected by a decline in financial sector stocks after Qatar reduced its stake in Barclays Bank, while investors remained cautious ahead of important economic data later on Tuesday.

The European STOXX 600 index fell 0.1 percent by 8:12 GMT.

Barclays shares fell 3.3 percent a day after Qatar Holding Company, the largest shareholder in the bank, moved to sell shares worth about 510 million pounds ($644 million) of its stake. The financial services sector index fell 0.4 percent.

The basic resources index was the largest decliner, down 0.7 percent, affected by the decline in prices of basic metals.

Business activity data in the euro zone and the United States for November, as well as producer price data for October in the euro zone, will be announced later on Tuesday.