On Monday, the UK's FTSE 100 index showed little movement as gains in energy companies offset losses in mining stocks. This came after weak economic data from China raised concerns about slowing demand. Meanwhile, real estate stocks slumped following a bearish call from HSBC.
As of 0718 GMT, the blue-chip FTSE 100 was flat, while the more domestically-focused FTSE 250 midcap index fell 0.4%. Industrial metal miners lost 0.8%, tracking a fall in most base metal prices.
China's producer prices, the top metals consumer, fell at their fastest pace in over seven years in June, while consumer prices remained close to deflation. As a result, China-exposed insurer Prudential (PRU.L) fell 1.2%.
The real estate sector was also hit by a bearish note from HSBC, with real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real estate falling 1.2% and 1.1%, respectively.
