(Reuters) – European shares fell at the end of a shortened holiday week, with traders focused on economic data for clues on the path of interest rates, as well as potential changes in US policies under the presidency of Donald Trump.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index dipped 0.1% by 0815 GMT, but was on course for a 0.7% gain for the week, marked by light trading activity as traders returned from their New Year holidays.
Swiss stocks rose 0.5% in their first trading session of 2025, while Germany’s DAX fell 0.2% and France’s CAC 40 fell 0.5%.
Sectors exposed to China, such as miners and automakers, also came under pressure after a Beijing official said China would sharply increase funding from ultra-long-term Treasuries in 2025 to stimulate business investment and consumer push initiatives.
Investors have been concerned about China’s economy and a looming trade war with the United States ahead of Donald Trump’s January 20 presidential inauguration.
Among stocks, Tullow Oil rose 12.5% after the West Africa-based company said it will not have to pay $320 million in taxes following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce on its operations in Ghana.
(Reporting by Sruthi Shankar in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala)
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2025-01-03 08:31:00
