European Stocks Poised for Strongest Year Since 2021
European equities traded higher on Tuesday, led by gains in basic resources and bank shares.
The STOXX 50 rose 0.4% to 5,776 points, its highest level since its record peak on Nov. 12, while the broader STOXX 600 edged up 0.1% to a fresh all-time high of 590 points.
Investors appeared largely unfazed by volatility in precious metals and renewed uncertainty surrounding Ukraine peace talks. Market focus remains on the outlook for additional Federal Reserve policy easing in 2026, with minutes from the latest FOMC meeting due later in the day for further clarity. In corporate news, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly announced price cuts for their leading obesity drugs in China.
For the year, the STOXX 50 is on track to finish 2025 up about 18%, while the STOXX 600 is set for a 16% annual gain, its strongest performance since 2021. Tuesday marks the final trading session of the year for several European markets, including Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, and the Nordic exchanges.
Source: Tradingeconomics.com