economy
December 31, 2025
European markets close mixed on last trading day of 2025; Defense stocks rose
European markets closed mixed on Wednesday, the last trading day of the year, with defense stocks taking the lead.
TL;DR
- European stocks closed mixed on the final trading day of the year.
- The Stoxx 600 index ended 0.1% lower in a shortened trading session.
- The UK's FTSE 100 achieved its strongest annual gain since 2009, up 21.5%.
- Italy's FTSE MIB gained 1.1% on Wednesday, finishing the year up 31.5%, its best year since 1998.
- Germany's DAX rose 0.6%, while France's CAC 40 fell 0.2%.
- Defense stocks like Saab, Renk, and Rheinmetall saw significant annual gains.
- Biotech firm Abivax was the year's top performer with a 1,616% gain.
- Precious metals like gold and silver futures retreated.
- US stocks slipped in premarket trading, heading for a fourth straight losing session, but the S&P 500 was set for a 17% annual rise.
- Asia-Pacific stocks fell overnight.
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