On the last trading day of this year, the French stock market declined slightly, and the UK stock market remained stable. Both markets will be trading for half a day today, while exchanges in Germany, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, and Finland will be closed for a full day. Meanwhile, the European Stoxx 600 Index is expected to achieve its biggest annual increase since 2021, thanks to the resilience of the region's economic growth and the prospects for increased fiscal spending. Among them, the banking sector performed the most, and is expected to record the best performance since 1997. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said that European stock markets will maintain their upward momentum in the new year. “As the dollar comes under pressure and the world continues to be plagued by geopolitical turmoil and concerns about the AI bubble, investors have been seeking valuable and diversified investments,” she said. While volume is expected to remain light in the near future, history suggests that January is likely to see more volatility as investors return after the holidays.

On the last trading day of this year, the French stock market declined slightly, and the UK stock market remained stable. Both markets will be trading for half a day today, while exchanges in Germany, Italy, Denmark, Switzerland, and Finland will be closed for a full day. Meanwhile, the European Stoxx 600 Index is expected to achieve its biggest annual increase since 2021, thanks to the resilience of the region's economic growth and the prospects for increased fiscal spending. Among them, the banking sector performed the most, and is expected to record the best performance since 1997. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said that European stock markets will maintain their upward momentum in the new year. “As the dollar comes under pressure and the world continues to be plagued by geopolitical turmoil and concerns about the AI bubble, investors have been seeking valuable and diversified investments,” she said. While volume is expected to remain light in the near future, history suggests that January is likely to see more volatility as investors return after the holidays.