European Stocks Declining And Heading to Close 2020 With Losses

European stocks fell Thursday, Dec. 31, as investors settle positions on the last day of trading this year while sentiment weakens due to widespread lockdown measures in Britain and news that the United States has raised tariffs on some EU products.

Trading volumes are thin, in light of the absence of many dealers on the eve of the New Year and the closure of major European stock exchanges.

The Stoxx600 index of European shares recorded a decrease of 3.8% in 2020, to decrease in performance compared to stocks in Asia and Wall Street, which rose near-record levels during trading, as the market is under pressure due to a rapid rise in Coronavirus infections as well as concerns about Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The German DAX 2020 index ended a 3.5% gain on Wednesday at just below its all-time high.

In weak trading, the British FTSE100 index fell 1.5%, and the French CAC40 index fell 0.7%. Both indicators will close early on Thursday.