European exchanges start week with major losses

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - Stock exchanges in Europe closed Monday with major losses to start the week on a lower note, amid fears the US economy may be faltering.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, fell 10.8 points, or 2.17%, to close at 487.05.

The UK's FTSE 100 shed 166 points, or 2.04%, to 8,008. Germany's DAX dove 322 points, or 1.82%, to 17,339.

France's CAC 40 slumped 102 points, or 1.42%, to end the session just below 7,149.

Italy's FTSE MIB, meanwhile, lost 725 points, or 2.27%, to end the day at 31,293.

Spain's IBEX 35 was the worst performer of the day, plummeting 249 points, or 2.34%, to close at 10,423.