"European Stocks Slide as Weak China Data Dampens Optimism"

European stocks retreated for the fifth consecutive day following disappointing data from China, which raised concerns about the country's fragile economic recovery. The Stoxx 600 dropped 0.7%, while futures on US equities also declined. China's services sector experienced its slowest growth this year in August, indicating a loss of momentum in the economic recovery and dampening earlier optimism over government stimulus measures. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index also fell, with Hong Kong shares leading the declines. Traders are now focusing on euro area PMI data and ECB President Christine Lagarde's speech for further market direction.