European markets close lower with rising omicron worries

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - European stock markets closed lower on Monday amid rising numbers of omicron coronavirus cases in Europe and related lockdowns.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, fell 6.55 points, or 1.38%, to 467.35.

London's FTSE 100 declined 71 points, or 0.99%, to end the day at 7,198, while Germany's DAX 30 was the worst performer of the day, losing 292 points, or 1.88%, to close at 15,239.

France's CAC 40 fell 56 points, or 0.82%, to 6,870 and Italy's FTSE MIB 30 dropped 433 points, or 1.63%, to end the day at 26,177.

Spain's IBEX 35 declined 69 points, or 0.83%, to finish at 8,242.

In Germany, the rapid growth of omicron cases is threatening to cripple already overwhelmed hospitals, according to Gerald Gass, head of the German Hospital Federation.

In the Netherlands, the government announced additional measures, including a 10-day mandatory quarantine for passengers traveling from the UK, as well as certain other restrictions for visitors from other EU and Schengen countries to stem omicron’s spread.

The UK Health Security Agency said Sunday there were 12,133 more confirmed cases of omicron over the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 37,101.