European stocks opened in negative territory on Monday as investors digest the growing number of deaths from coronavirus.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 was down 0.3% at the start of trading, with core resources and oil and gas stocks losing 0.7% to lead losses as most sectors and major markets opened in red.
Global markets are reacting to the news that the coronavirus has now killed more than 500,000 people worldwide, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The number of confirmed infections has now exceeded 10 million.
The United States accounts for more than 20% of all reported deaths caused by Covid-19, more than any other country in the world, according to the data, followed by Brazil, the United Kingdom, Italy and France. However, cross-country comparisons of death toll are difficult due to differences in reporting methods.
Shares in the Asia Pacific fell on Monday on the back of the data, as well as a decline in oil prices, which fell for the second consecutive session on Monday after data showing an increase in coronavirus cases, which It has led to the reimposition of localized blockades in some countries that could affect oil demand.
There are no major gains in Europe on Monday. On the data front, an indicator of euro zone economic sentiment for June is released at 10am London time.
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