London, Dec 2 (AFP/APP): Asian and European markets were mixed on Monday as investors cheered a surprise jump in Chinese factory activity, but were chilled by fresh US tariffs on Argentina and Brazil. On oil markets, crude prices rebounded from last week’s sharp losses after Iraq said top producers might announce a cut in output this week. Trade-related concerns were also stoked by China’s Global Times newspaper, which said Beijing wanted all US tariffs rolled back as part of a mini deal, a move observers said Washington is unlikely to agree to. On Saturday, China said its manufacturing sector expanded in November for the first time in seven months, providing a much-needed boost to investors looking for signs of optimism in the world’s number-two economy. Another survey Monday of smaller firms also showed a better-than-expected pick-up in factory activity. “Investors are taking any signs of an end to the economic gloom, especially in China, as a reason to buy shares that benefit from stronger growth,” said analyst Jasper Lawler at London Capital Group. Stock markets retreat as Trump triggers Chinese anger Beijing and Washington are believed to be close to agreement on a partial trade deal, a development that has … Continue reading Stock markets mixed on Chinese data, US tariffs