European stocks are seen opening sharply lower on Monday after data showed Chinese industrial production for January and February shrank 13.5 percent, marking the first contraction in around 30 years amid a widespread shutdown of manufacturing operations.
Retail sales, a key metric of consumption in the world's second largest economy, fell by 20.5 percent, marking the first decline on record. Fixed asset investment was down 24.5 percent versus a 5.4 percent rise in January to December 2019.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Market Analysis
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.