German shares started the week on the negative note amid increased cautiousness in the market ahead of the EU finance ministers' meeting due later in the day. Disappointing news from Asia also weighted down on German stocks. The World Bank downgraded its growth forecast for China, citing weak exports and slowing investment growth. However, smaller than expected fall in the national industrial production and upbeat trade balance data restricted losses of German stocks. The DAX Index dropped 1.28% to trade at 7,303.09. All but one sector included in the index plunged. The only gainer was technology sector, with SAP adding 0.49%. The top-losers were industrials and consumer goods. Siemens tumbled 1.72% while Adidas dipped 1.24%. Financials also fell, with Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank retreating 2.62% and 1.90%.