Stock markets struggled on Monday on concerns the US Federal Reserve could hold off on further rate cuts this year and fears of a tech bubble.

Meanwhile, simmering tensions between China and Japan hit tourism and retail firms on Tokyo's exchange.

The tepid mood on trading floors dragged on the crypto sector, with bitcoin briefly erasing all its gains this year -- just over a month after hitting a record high.

Major European indices edged lower, tracking losses in Asia.

The European Union on Monday cut its eurozone growth forecast for 2026 as risks from international trade and geopolitical tensions weigh on Europe's economy.

Investors have in recent weeks reconsidered prospects for US rate cuts and the AI-fuelled tech rally that had lifted several markets to record highs.

Traders are

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