European stock markets close lower

Italy’s FTSE MIB performs worst, plummeting 1.6%

By Tuba Sahin

ANKARA (AA) - European stock closed lower Wednesday ahead of a European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate decision amid disappointing economic data and worries about energy supplies.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, was down 0.21%, to finish at 422.52.

The UK’s FTSE 100 fell 31.97 points, or 0.44%, to close at 7,264.

Germany’s DAX 30 was off 26.4 points, or 0.20%, to 13,282. France’s CAC 40 fell 16.6 points, or 0.27%, to 6,185.

Italy’s FTSE MIB was the worst performer of the day, diving 347.8 points, or 1.6%, to end at 21,348.

Spain’s IBEX 35 declined 96.2 points, or 1.18%, to finish at 8,029.

The ECB is expected to raise interest rates for the first time in 11 years at a meeting on Thursday.

Kaynak: