European Shares Slump Amid Central Bank Decision Anticipation

European shares reached a two-week low as investors anticipate key central bank decisions. The STOXX 600 index decreased 0.5%, driven by declines in energy and healthcare stocks. Investors await economic indicators from Germany, with a focus on upcoming monetary policy announcements from the U.S., Japan, and the UK.

European shares hit a two-week low on Tuesday morning. The decline, primarily in energy and healthcare sectors, comes as investors brace for a series of significant central bank decisions anticipated later this week.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped 0.5% to its lowest level since December 2, with oil and gas stocks leading losses, down 1.3%. This downturn was fueled by concerns over demand following new economic data from China.

Attention is fixed on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision expected on Wednesday, with a predicted 25-basis-point rate cut. The pace of future easing will be crucial as the U.S. economy shows stability. The Bank of Japan and Bank of England will announce their rate decisions on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies.)