European stock markets lost ground on Monday but were able to reduce the heavy opening losses.
Fears of a new wave of corona infections in several US states and in the Chinese capital, Beijing put sales pressure on the trading floors.
A disappointing industrial figure from China also fueled concerns about the recovery of the global economy.
Around noon, the AEX index on Beursplein 5 recorded 1.3 percent lower at 538.45 points.
The MidKap fell 0.7 percent to 729.87 points. Stock market indicators in London, Frankfurt and Paris lost up to 1.4 percent.
The euro was worth $ 1.1252, down from $ 1.1245 on Friday. A barrel of American oil became 1.9 percent cheaper at $ 35.58. Brent oil fell 1.1 percent in price to $ 38.29.