European equity markets closed at their lowest level since the start of the year on Friday, as investors digested comments from U.S. monetary policymakers and global sentiment stutters.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 1.3% in its fourth straight decline, marking a close last seen on Jan 2., according to Dow Jones data.
All sectors were lower, with mining stocks dropping by 3.35% and tech stocks down by 2.3%.
European markets
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell acknowledged recent signs of cooling inflation but said Thursday that the central bank would be "resolute" in its commitment to its 2% mandate. Powell did not lay out a specific policy path but also gave no indication that a further interest rate hike was on the cards.
The Fed opted to hold interest rates steady at its last meeting in September, but did suggest there would be one more hike before the end of the year.
U.S. stocks were down Friday morning as traders focused on a recent run higher in the 10-year Treasury yield.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect when the Stoxx 600 last closed at this level.