European stocks were mixed on the last trading day of 2025, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index down 0.1% to 591.69 points.
Britain’s FTSE index fell by about 0.1% to 9923.12 points, while France’s CAC 40 index fell by 0.5% to 8125.74 points, and Germany’s DAX index rose by 0.5% to 24490.41 points.
It should be noted that the markets will open for only half a day on Wednesday, and will close on Thursday for the New Year holiday before reopening on Friday.
Defense stocks rise
Across sectors, defense stocks continued their upward trend for the second consecutive day, with shares of SAP, RENKE, and Rheinmetall rising between 2% and 3% shortly after the market opened. Regional stocks also extended their gains, reaching new record highs on Tuesday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index closing 0.7% higher.
Fresnillo, listed on the London Stock Exchange, was among the worst performing stocks on Wednesday morning, down 3.5% after rising 6% on Tuesday, while shares of other mining companies such as Anglo American, Antofagasta and Glencore held onto their previous gains without significant declines.
Precious metals, especially gold and silver, also attracted investor attention during the shortened trading week due to the holiday; silver futures fell 8.1% and gold 1.1% at the start of the session.
In the United States, US stock futures saw little change overnight Tuesday, as Wall Street prepared to close the last trading day of the year. In contrast, Asia-Pacific markets declined overnight, with Hong Kong and Australia closing early, while Japan and South Korea remained closed today.
