European Markets Continue to Decline Amid Global Stock Caution and Rate Jitters

European markets fell further as caution persisted in global stocks, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index down 1.2% by mid-afternoon. Mining stocks led the losses, and almost all sectors and major bourses slid into the red. Concerns about China's real estate sector and the U.S. Federal Reserve's indication of potential interest rate hikes contributed to the negative sentiment. Additionally, Danish hearing aid manufacturer GN Store Nord and Danish pharmaceutical company ALK-Abelló both experienced significant losses. Meanwhile, UK retail sales declined due to poor weather, and China's embattled property giant Evergrande filed for bankruptcy protection in a U.S. court.