European stocks closed higher on Thursday (30), with expectations that new measures and restrictions related to the coronavirus will not be necessary at the beginning of the year, even with an increase in Covid-19 cases due to the Ômicron variant hampering gains .
The pan-European STOXX 600 index closed up 0.15% at 488.71 points, with technology, healthcare and travel-related papers leading the way. However, risks of tough central bank decisions to deal with mounting inflationary pressures and lingering concerns about the recent rise in global Ômicron cases have limited gains so far.
The European Central Bank (ECB) is close to reaching its medium-term inflation target of 2% and could end economic stimulus programs faster than planned if price growth continues to surprise positively, said the head of the central bank. Dutchman Klaas Knot to a German newspaper.
The Spanish Ibex-35 index rose 0.46% to 8,713.80 points, even with data showing that consumer prices in December increased 6.7% nationwide from the same month last year, higher high since 1989. The index underperformed its regional peers in 2021, gaining about 8%, compared with a 22% increase for the STOXX 600.
In France, the CAC-40 index gained 0.16% to 7,173.23 points and jumped 29.2% year-to-date, which surpassed the gains of the STOXX 600, as expectations of an economic recovery made luxury stocks appreciate even though the outlook for Asian demand remains bleak for 2022. Several European markets, including Italy, Germany and Spain, will close on Friday, while Paris and London will trade for half a session, before the New Year.
In London, the Financial Times index retreated 0.24%, to 7,403.01 points.
In Frankfurt, the DAX index rose 0.21% to 15,884.86 points.
In Milan, the Ftse/Mib index had a positive oscillation of 0.01%, to 27,346.83 points.
In Lisbon, the PSI20 index devalued 0.05%, to 5,571.67 points.
Reference: CNN Brasil
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