European Markets Dip as Fed Hints at Rate Hikes; Gold and Silver Steady

European markets were slightly lower after the U.S. Federal Reserve's July meeting minutes indicated that further interest rate hikes could be necessary. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index was down 0.2%, with industrials falling 1.7% and mining stocks adding 0.8%. Corporate earnings continued to drive individual share price movements. Meanwhile, Asian markets also extended losses, and Japan experienced its first monthly decline in exports in over two years.