European markets witnessed a lackluster start to the new trading week, at a time when global investors' eyes were turning to the upcoming meeting of the US Federal Reserve, where the European Stoxx 600 index closed down by 0.1%, after spending the session flat. Telecom stocks fell 1.4%, while automobile stocks rose 0.9%.
The German Dax index was flat with an increase of 0.01%, while the British FTSE 100 index fell by 0.06% and the French CAC 40 index fell by 0.20%, respectively.
A Reuters poll of economists expects the Federal Reserve to keep benchmark interest rates steady at 5.25% to 5.5%.
On the Asian side, Japan's Nikkei 225 index led gains in Asia-Pacific markets on Monday, while Chinese stocks continued their gains after data showed that its economy started the year strong.
In addition, US stocks rose on Monday, led by the gains achieved by Nvidia stock, at a time when Wall Street awaits a major conference on artificial intelligence.
