European Markets Sag Monday

(RTTNews) - European stocks finished lower Monday in quiet dealing as many traders remained on holiday.

Early gains evaporated amid concerns about the global economy and lower commodity prices.

Germany's DAX was down 0.59 percent, France's CAC eased 0.25 percent, while the FTSE of London slipped 0.61 percent.

Syngenta International soared 10.5 percent after the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment cleared ChemChina's planned $43bn takeover of the Swiss agriculture company.

Automakers were solid as the dollar extended gains against the euro for a second day on bets for another U.S. rate hike this year.

Volkswagen AG that production at several plants has been interrupted as a result of a halt in component deliveries by external suppliers.

Kingspan Group Plc was higher after the Irish building materials company reported a record half-yearly performance and hiked its dividend payment.

U.K. housebuilder Persimmon rose 2.8 percent ahead of its earnings results due on Tuesday.

Swedish medical technology group Getinge fell 3.9 percent after replacing its chief executive Alex Myers following a difference of opinion over the direction of the company.

Miners Anglo American, BHP Billiton, Glencore and Rio Tinto fell in London as commodities slipped on a stronger dollar.

Precious metals mining company Fresnillo slumped 5.8 percent as gold prices hit a two-week low on U.S. rate hike prospects.