Europe open: Shares lower but Stoxx set for 22% gain in 2021

by | Dec 31, 2021

European shares opened the final session of 2021 slightly lower in thin volumes as traders and investors pondered a new year in the shadow of surging Omicron Covid cases.
The pan-European STOXX 600 fell 0.03% in early deals. Bourses across the continent were either shut or open for a half day. Frankfurt and Milan are shut today while Paris and London will close earlier.

Despite the muted mood, the European benchmark index was set to close the year 22.45% higher and has risen 82% from lows hit in March 2020 at the peak of the pandemic, driven by record growth in corporate profits, supportive monetary policy and vaccinations.

Reflecting the downbeat tone, travel stocks, which had been hoping for a winter season bounce, were all lower as flights were cancelled due to lower demand and renewed restrictions.

Cruise line operator Carnival, travel concession chain WH Smith and budget airline Ryanair were all lower.

Related articles

Europe midday: Shares slip into red on Middle East tensions

Europe midday: Shares slip into red on Middle East tensions

(Sharecast News) - European shares fell into the red on Wednesday as Middle East tensions were ratcheted up after the assassination of the Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouni in Lebanon, raising fears of retaliation by the Islamic group Hezbollah against Israel. The...

Europe open: Shares edge ahead as Middle East tensions weigh

Europe open: Shares edge ahead as Middle East tensions weigh

(Sharecast News) - European shares edged ahead in a cautious start to trade on Wednesday as Middle East tensions were ratcheted up after the assassination of the Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouni in Lebanon, raising fears of retaliation by the Islamic group...

Trending stories

Join our mailing list

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive regular updates!

x