Doha: European shares inched lower on Monday as investors awaited further details on the US-China trade negotiations, while also looking ahead to some key corporate earnings and the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting later this week. The pan-European STOXX 600 index was down 0.1%. Other regional indexes were trading in positive territory, barring France (.FCHI), which fell 0.3%.

According to Qatar News Agency, Dutch-listed shares of Shell fell 2.8% after a report said the oil major is working with advisers to evaluate a potential acquisition of rival BP. This development has contributed to the mixed performance across European markets, as investors remain cautious amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

The decline in Shell’s shares comes as the market anticipates the impact of potential consolidation in the energy sector, which could reshape competitive dynamics. Meanwhile, the broader market is keeping an eye on upcoming earnings reports and the Federal Reserve’s meeting, which are expected to provide further clarity on future economic conditions.