European stocks close near tech-driven highs

European stocks closed near week highs on Wednesday (22), led by gains in technology and industrial papers, even as investors worried about the prospect of a global recovery amid the rise in Covid-19 cases caused by Ômicron variant.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index closed up 0.92% to 478.36 points, following a 1.4% jump in the previous session, which was also its best day in two weeks. Technology stocks led the gains, followed by industrials, travel and construction-related papers.

“It’s going to be a very cautious mood for equities, rather than any kind of euphoria going into Christmas,” said Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

Weak liquidity and risk associated with the spread of the Ômicron strain have resulted in benchmark volatility in recent days.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank (ECB) may raise interest rates as early as the end of next year, and signaling an end to bond purchases would be a strong signal that change will happen in the next two quarters, the member said. Governing Council Robert Holzmann.

• In London, the Financial Times index rose 0.61%, to 7,341.66 points;
• In Frankfurt, the DAX index rose 0.95% to 15,593.47 points;
• In Paris, the CAC-40 index gained 1.24% to 7,051.67 points;
• In Milan, the Ftse/Mib index appreciated by 0.66%, to 26,827.93 points;
• In Madrid, the Ibex-35 index rose by 0.85%, to 8,459.10 points;
• In Lisbon, the PSI20 index grew 0.15%, to 5,459.66 points.