LONDON—Global markets fell on Thursday as investors worried that further rises in interest rates to quell decades-high inflation would tip economies into recession.
The German economy, Europe’s largest, suffered a sharp loss of momentum at the end of the second quarter, according to the latest Purchasing Managers’ Index, while corresponding figures for France also showed weaker activity.
The STOXX share index of 600 European companies fell 1.3 percent to a new low for the year.
Prices of copper and crude oil sank on prospects of less demand for fuel and building materials as consumers limit spending.
“Copper has always been the lead indicator commodity for economic growth,” said Patrick Spencer, vice chairman of equities at Baird Investment Bank….