European stocks ended higher on Tuesday as traders stayed away from their desks for the holidays. Investors are optimistic about the Omicron variant’s impact on global economic recovery, with studies showing lower risks than the Delta variant. The CDC shortened isolation time for asymptomatic Covid-19 cases to 5 days. Strong holiday sales boosted confidence in a global recovery next year. The Stoxx 600 rose 0.62%, with gains in Germany, France, and Switzerland. Markets in the U.K. and Ireland were closed. Various European markets closed higher, with some exceptions like Czech Republic and Turkey. In France, Veolia and Engie saw gains, while Sodexo and Renault closed weak. HelloFresh led gains in Germany, while Clariant AG announced a $60 million acquisition in the Swiss market.

Read more at Nasdaq: European Stocks Close Higher Again