European Stock Markets Today (December 12, 2025): STOXX 600 Near Record as Banks and Miners Lead a Year‑End Rally
European stocks closed higher Friday, with the STOXX Europe 600 up 0.50% at 584.22, nearing record highs. Gains followed optimism over possible U.S. rate cuts and strong bank performance, including UBS hitting a 17-year high after Swiss lawmakers discussed easing capital rules. Investors are watching next week’s ECB and Bank of England decisions, as well as an EU summit on Ukraine funding.