European stocks mixed following WHO warning

European stock markets were mixed on Tuesday trade as the World Health Organization’s coronavirus warning, along with new corporate news, weighed on markets.

Germany’s DAX dipped 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.1%, and U.K.’s FTSE index fell 0.2%.

For the first time after seven weeks, the number of coronavirus cases globally increased, according to the report of the World Health Organization. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO warned that it was not time yet for countries to depend solely on inoculation programs and set aside other coronavirus-related measures.

German retail sales sharply declined in January, posting a 4.5% fall on the month. This reading reflects the continued impact of coronavirus restrictions on Germany’s economy.

Additionally, the oil sector was also affected by the sentiment with Royal Dutch Shell, BP, and Total all falling between 1% and 2%.

Meanwhile, on the corporate side of things, Danone stock improved 0.5% and Taylor Wimpey stock added 3.4%.