European stock markets close higher

European stock markets finished the day with gains following the Christmas holiday.

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Shares of energy companies gained 0.61 percent, while shares of technology companies rose by 0.70 percent.

Although trading volumes remained at low levels in global markets following the Christmas holiday, the persistence of expectations that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) could begin interest rate cuts in March of next year continued to support risk appetite.

At the close, the benchmark index Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.21 percent to 478.62 points.

In France, the CAC 40 index gained 0.04 percent to reach 7,571.82 points.

In Germany, the DAX index closed with a 0.21 percent increase at 16,742.07 points.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 index rose 0.36 percent to 7,724.95 points.

In Italy, the FTSE MIB 30 index finished the day with a 0.22 percent increase at 30,421.51 points.

The euro/dollar parity was trading at the 1.111 level with a 0.61 percent increase as of 20:58 TSI.

News Source: AA