2025.12.3113:59:56UTC+00European Stocks End 2025 Near Records

European equities remained near record levels on the last trading day of 2025, concluding their most robust annual performance since 2021. The STOXX 50 ended the year at 5,791 points, while the STOXX 600 settled at 592 points. Throughout the year, the STOXX 50 saw an increase of approximately 18%, achieving its third consecutive annual rise, while the STOXX 600 advanced 17%, bolstered by steady economic growth and anticipated rises in fiscal spending across the region. The banking sector led the charge, achieving its best results since 1997, closely followed by the basic resources sector, which benefited from increased precious metal prices. The utilities sector also played a significant role, driven by rising power demand associated with data centers and broader trends toward electrification. Looking forward, European equities are expected to sustain their momentum into the coming year, as investors look for opportunities and diversification beyond U.S. markets amid a weaker dollar, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and escalating worries over an AI-induced market bubble.