(Reuters) – European stocks were muted in the final trading session for 2024, as uncertainty over the path of monetary policy and political changes halted the rally that had pushed many markets to record highs earlier this year.
The pan-European was flat at 0821 GMT, and the benchmark was on track for its worst quarterly showing in more than two years.
Trading numbers were thin, with bourses in Germany, Italy and Switzerland already closed, while those in France, Spain and the UK are set to close early on Tuesday.
High prices, rising Treasury yields and uncertainty about 2025 have all contributed to the feeling of risk in the past few sessions on both sides of the Atlantic but the main US indexes have posted strong gains this year.
It is up about 24% in 2024 while the STOXX 600 is up just 5.4% as Europe's slow economy, automakers' problems and political turmoil in France weigh on sentiment.
German stocks have been the best performer in European markets this year with a near jump of 19%, while political instability and concerns about a growing budget deficit weighed on the 40, pushing it down 3.1% year to date.
The UK is looking to increase by 5% in 2024, its fourth consecutive year of gains.