Share markets saw a slight decline on Monday as investors prepared for a data-packed week leading up to a U.S. jobs report that may determine the size of an expected rate cut later this month. Survey data revealed a drop in new manufacturing export orders in China for the first time in eight months, although the sector as a whole showed growth. Wins for populist parties in German state elections further added to political uncertainty in European markets. Meanwhile, thin liquidity was observed due to holidays in the United States and Canada. Europe’s STOXX 600 index fell 0.35% after reaching a record high on Friday, with Germany’s DAX and Britain’s FTSE 100 down by 0.21% and 0.1%, respectively. The dollar index dropped 0.11% to 101.64, while the euro rose 0.23% to $1.1073. Chinese stocks experienced a 1.7% decline, mainly driven by losses in real estate following a slowdown in home price growth. Futures for the U.S. S&P 500 index were down 0.15%, and Nasdaq 100 futures were 0.24% lower. U.S. stock markets were closed for Labor Day, with Treasuries remaining untraded. The highlight of the week will be the U.S. non-farm payrolls report on Friday, expected to show an increase of 165,000 jobs in August, up from 114,000 in July. Oil prices dipped as the market considered the possibility of increased supply from OPEC+ in October. Brent crude decreased by 0.22% to $76.76 a barrel, down over 5% from the previous week. Analysts pointed out that September has historically been a challenging month for stocks and bonds, further contributing to cautious trading on Monday. Investors are also paying attention to upcoming U.S. survey data, job openings, private employment figures, weekly jobless claims, and the Fed’s beige book on current economic conditions.