Europe open: Shares lower on China data, global woes

European shares kicked off 2019 in the red as weak manufacturing data from China dampened investor sentiment on top of worries over global growth, trade wars and turmoil in Washington.

The Stoxx 600 index was down 1.44% as all European markets began the trading session lower. London was off 1.74%, Paris 2.2% and Frankfurt 1.3%.

China’s private Caixin/Markit manufacturing purchasing managers’ index released earlier showed a drop to 49.7 in December from 50.2 in November, marking the lowest reading since May 2017 and the first contraction in 19 months and missed expectations of 50.1.

The figures confirmed a trend seen in the official PMI released on Monday, which slipped to 49.4 in December - its weakest level since early 2016.

"This is not a good indicator as we eye tariffs biting even harder in 2019 than they did last year,” said Neil Wilson, chief market analyst at Markets.com.

"On the whole, there is little to cheer about, unless you’re viewing this as a chance to snap up some bargains. Following the worst year in a decade for global equities, it’s little surprise to see a tentative start to 2019 and this does create opportunities, but investors should be prepared for more volatility ahead."

The weak Chinese data overshadowed news overnight that US President Trump was reaching out to Congress to help end the partial government shutdown. Trump has reportedly invited congressional leaders to a White House briefing on border security on Wednesday.

Miners suffered heavy losses on the back of the Chinese data, with BHP, Glencore, Rio Tinto, Antofagasta and Anglo American all lower.

Energy shares were also under the cosh, with BP, Shell, Premier Oil and Tullow all lower as oil prices fell amid worries about oversupply.