European stocks close in the red with statements by Powell and Ômicron

European stocks retreated on Tuesday (30), after Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell warned that inflation in the United States may not be transitory, amid concerns over the effectiveness of existing vaccines against the micron variant of the coronavirus.

The FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 0.95% to 1,792 points, while the pan-European STOXX 600 index lost 0.92% to 463 points after falling 1.6% during the session to a seven-week low.

Speaking to the Senate Banking Committee, Powell said the Fed will use its tools to ease prices, and may consider ending the reduction in bond purchases sooner.

The Fed will await more details on Ômicron before deciding on monetary policy, Powell said, prompting more anticipation for the December meeting.

The travel and leisure sector led losses in Europe, down 2.8%, having accumulated a low of 20.6% in November – the worst month since March 2020.

See how are the European markets this Tuesday (30):

• In London, the Financial Times index retreated 0.71%, to 7,059 points;
• In Frankfurt, the DAX index fell 1.18% to 15,100 points;
• In Paris, the CAC-40 index lost 0.81%, to 6,721 points;
• In Milan, the Ftse/Mib index had a devaluation of 0.87%, to 25,814 points;
• In Madrid, the Ibex-35 index dropped 1.78%, to 8,305 points;
• In Lisbon, the PSI20 index retreated 0.56%, to 5,433 points.