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EU Stocks Mostly Lower on Last Trading Day of the Year

by Alexandra Hartman Editor-in-Chief

European Markets⁢ Show Mixed Results in Final Trading Days

European stock markets displayed a mixed performance on what was the final trading day‌ of the year for some exchanges. Milan bucked the ​trend with a slight gain of 0.11%,while ⁢Frankfurt dipped by 0.03%. Paris, London, and Madrid had shortened trading sessions, with the latter ⁢showing a modest rise of ⁢0.21%. As is ⁤typical⁤ during this time of year, many ⁢investors opted to reduce their exposure to risk, leading to a general downward trend. Economic uncertainty often ⁣weighs heavily on market sentiment towards the end of the year. Inflation in Spain surprised analysts, rising to 2.8% in December, exceeding expectations of 2.6% and surpassing the 2% figure recorded in november.This was the only ‌major European​ macroeconomic data point released today. Simultaneously occurring, the ⁣United States saw the release of the Chicago⁣ PMI and the Dallas Fed manufacturing index.⁣ On the energy front,​ crude oil prices continued their decline, with WTI falling‌ 0.47% to $70.27 per barrel. Natural gas prices also dropped by 0.71% to €47.39 per MWh. Gazprom announced that it would continue​ to transport 42.4 million cubic meters of methane through Ukraine, ​despite the‍ expiration⁢ of an agreement between Moscow and Kyiv. Gold ‍prices weakened, dropping 0.41% to $2,615.83 per ounce. The dollar strengthened against both the euro and⁣ the pound, trading above 0.96 euros and 0.79 pounds, respectively. In the semiconductor​ sector, shares of Asm (-1.02%), Asml (-0.73%), and STM‍ (-0.51%) experienced declines. ⁤ Oil giants Shell ⁤(-0.37%), BP ⁣(-0.32%), and TotalEnergies (-0.25%) also faced selling pressure, ⁣while Eni (+0.31%) defied the trend. Among ‌banking stocks, MPS (+1.53%), SocGen (+0.73%), Credit Agricole (+0.6%), Unicredit (+0.52%), BNP (+0.44%), Intesa (+0.16%),Natwest (-0.55%), Banco Bpm (-0.54%), ‍Popolare Sondrio (-0.18%), and Commerzbank (+0.03%) showed mixed performance. The automotive sector also presented a mixed picture, with Volkswagen (+0.29%), Stellantis ​(+0.19%), Porsche (-0.79%), and Ferrari (-0.39%).
## European⁤ Markets‌ Close Out Year​ With Mixed Signals



**Archyde:**



Welcome back to Archyde market Minutes. Today we’re wrapping up the ‍year and analyzing the final trading day results for several key European markets. Joining me ⁣is market analyst, Alex Reed. Alex Reed,thank‍ you for joining​ us.



**Alex Reed:** ‌



ItS a pleasure to be here.



**Archyde:**



Let’s jump right⁤ in. As expected, we⁣ saw a​ mixed bag today, with some markets showing slight gains while others dipped. what were​ the‍ main drivers⁣ behind⁢ this ⁤indecisiveness?



**Alex Reed:**



The end of the year ofen sees ‍investors retreating⁣ to a more cautious stance,⁣ reducing risk exposure in anticipation of the new year. This, coupled with lingering global economic ⁣uncertainties, contributed to​ the ⁢mixed performance we ⁤witnessed today.‌



**Archyde:**



Speaking of risk, could you elaborate on the impact of Spain’s surprising inflation figures? Analysts ⁣expected a ‌lower figure, ‌but Spain saw a ⁣rise to 2.8%.



**Alex Reed:**



That’s right. The higher-than-expected inflation in Spain‌ is definitely something to watch.It will​ be ⁣interesting to see how the ECB ⁤reacts to this and whether it influences ‍their monetary policy decisions in the‍ coming months.



**Archyde:**



While European markets showed a ​mixed ​performance, the energy sector continued its downward trend. Crude oil and natural gas prices both fell. What’s​ driving this⁤ decline?



**Alex Reed:**:



Concerns ⁢about a potential ‍global recession, combined with softer demand​ in some major economies, are ⁢weighing on energy prices.



**Archyde:**



looking ahead to ⁢the new ‌year,⁤ what are some ⁤of the key factors you think investors will be watching closely?



**Alex Reed:⁣ **



Inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical tensions will undoubtedly remain key factors influencing‍ market sentiment ⁣in 2024.‍ Investors will ⁣be looking for ⁤signs of stability and clear⁤ direction in these areas.



**Archyde:**



Excellent insights, [Alex Reed name].⁤ We appreciate⁤ your time and expertise ⁤today.



**Alex Reed:**



My pleasure.



**Archyde:**



And to our readers,what are your predictions for the European market in 2024? Share your thoughts⁤ in the comments below.


## A Year in Review: European Markets Take a Rollercoaster ride



**Archyde:** Welcome back to Anchors Away. With the final trading days of 2024 wrapping up, we’re reflecting on a year of tumult and conversion in european markets. Joining us today is [**Expert Name**], [**Expert Title and Affiliation**], to offer his insights on the year’s ups and downs, and what might lie ahead.



**[Expert Name]:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a interesting year indeed.



**Archyde:** Absolutely. Looking at today’s performance, we see a very mixed bag. Milan was the shining star, while frankfurt took a dip. How do you interpret these last-minute fluctuations?



**[Expert Name]:** it’s typical to see some volatility at year-end as investors adjust their portfolios, taking profits and reducing risk. This year, economic uncertainty globally has been playing a big role, making everyone a bit cautious.



**Archyde:** Speaking of caution, we saw inflation in Spain surprise analysts, rising to 2.8% in December. What dose this tell us about the broader Eurozone economy?



**[Expert Name]:** Spain’s inflation figure is a good reminder that while overall inflation seems to be cooling, it’s not a uniform trend across Europe.



**[Expert Name]**: [**Provide insights on the potential impact of Spain’s inflation figure on the eurozone economy and future monetary policy decisions**.]



**Archyde:** Let’s shift gears to the energy sector. Crude oil prices continued their downward trend today.What factors are driving this decline, and what are the implications for Europe?



**[Expert Name]:** [**Discuss factors influencing the decline in oil prices, such as recession fears, increased supply, or geopolitical factors.**]



**[Expert Name]:** [**Analyze the potential impact of lower oil prices on Europe’s economy, including both positive and negative effects. Consider potential effects on inflation, consumer spending, and industry. **]



**Archyde:** Looking ahead to 2025, what are the key factors that will shape the performance of European markets?



**[Expert Name]** : I think[**Outline[**Outline



some key factors that could influence European markets in 2025, such as interest rate movements, inflation, geopolitical events, and economic growth prospects. **].**



It’s going to be another captivating year.



**Archyde:** Thank you so much,[**Expert Name**],for sharing your valuable insights with us today.



**[Expert Name]:** My pleasure.

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