A top European share index fell to its lowest level in over a month on Monday, tracking losses in Asian and U.S. stocks, as a retreat in the energy sector led markets lower.
The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 1.2 percent to 1,293.51 points, its lowest level since May 6, extending a 2.3 percent drop in the previous session.
European shares tracked Asia lower, following a risk-off pattern in global markets as investors grew cautious ahead of central bank meetings this week and a referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union next week.
One poll out after the market closed on Friday gave the “out” campaign a 10 point lead, though two subsequent polls over the weekend painted a mixed picture over which side was ahead in the EU referendum debate.
Oil and gas shares were among top fallers, down 1.9 percent after Brent crude futures dipped back below $50 a barrel, weighed down by Asia’s darkening economic prospects.