European Shares Decline Ahead of U.S. Jobs Data and Federal Reserve Decision

European shares fell for the fifth consecutive session on Friday with the pan-European STOXX 600 index dropping 0.6%. The decline came as investors awaited crucial U.S. jobs data, the last labour market report before the Federal Reserve's upcoming monetary policy decision. Germany's DAX index and the UK's FTSE 100 also saw significant dips.

European shares fell for the fifth consecutive session on Friday, reflecting investor caution ahead of crucial U.S. jobs data, the final labour market report before the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decision on Sept. 18.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index declined by 0.6%, bringing this week's total drop to 3% and ending a four-week winning streak. Germany's DAX index was down 0.7%, influenced by data showing a 2.4% fall in the country's industrial production in July against an expected 0.3% drop.

The UK's FTSE 100 slipped 0.5%, despite British house prices rising by 0.3% in August compared to July's 0.2% increase. Energy stocks led market declines, dropping 1.1% as oil prices neared 14-month lows. Investors are closely watching U.S. non-farm payrolls data, expected to show 160,000 new jobs in August, compared to July's 114,000. While the unemployment rate is forecasted to fall to 4.2% from 4.3%, market responses are unpredictable due to mixed economic signals and focus on Fed rate cuts.

(With inputs from agencies.)