European markets saw slight gains in holiday trade with DAX outperforming, ECB expected to cut rates

From Investing.com: 2024-12-24 03:39:50

European stock markets saw slight gains in low holiday-impacted volumes, with the UK’s FTSE 0.3% higher and Germany’s DAX up 0.4%. Most markets will close early on Tuesday and remain closed Wednesday for Christmas. The ECB is expected to cut rates further in 2025, with inflation at 2.3% and expected to settle at 2% next year.

The DAX has outperformed major indices in 2024, gaining over 18%, while the FTSE 100 rose 5% and the CAC 40 fell over 3% due to political turmoil. The ECB lowered its key rate for the fourth time this year and is likely to cut rates further in 2025. President Lagarde expects interest rates to decrease further.

Vistry Group revised its expected adjusted profit before tax for FY24 to around £250 million, down from £300 million. Kooth secured a $1.45 million contract with the State of New Jersey to provide mental health support to 50,000 students. Oil prices rose slightly amid concerns about a potential supply glut and weakened demand in 2025, with Brent futures at $72.83 and WTI at $69.78 per barrel.



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