European Shares Decline in Limited Rrading

European shares fell in limited trading due to the Christmas holiday on Monday as risk appetite was hit after the mutant Omicron led to a spike in COVID-19 cases globally.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.2 percent after Asian shares were mixed.

Banks and technology stocks were among the biggest losers on the index, while oil stocks followed the falling oil prices. The health care and real estate sectors led the gains.

The stock exchanges of Britain, Australia, and Hong Kong were closed for a holiday, while the US stock exchange resumed work on Monday after Friday’s holiday.

Globally, more than 4,500 flights were canceled over the Christmas holiday season due to the uncertainty surrounding the spread of the omicron.

France recorded a record infection rate of Covid-19 on Friday, prompting the government to hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday that may result in the imposition of new restrictions. The French CAC index was stable in early trading.