Higher yields on debt would increase borrowing costs for companies. Chinese stocks stumbled Monday, with the Shenzhen Index losing 1.6%. Mining stocks are sensitive to developments in China, as companies there a big buyers of industrial and precious metals such as iron ore, copper and gold. What strategists are saying: European stocks were lower "as fears grow that Chinese equities could be starting one of their downward legs, which may cause fright for global investors," said Rebecca O'Keeffe, head of investment at Interactive Investor. "Chinese equity markets are notorious for delivering a volatile ride for investors, who have become used to boom and bust periods. The China effect is especially significant for commodity markets and by extension the metal-and-oil heavy FTSE 100," said O'Keeffe in a note. Stock movers: Among miners, Fresnillo PLC (FRES.LN) dropped 2.1%, Antofagasta PLC (ANTO.LN) shares fell 3.4% and Glencore PLC (GLEN.LN) lost 1.2%.