European stock markets mixed on last trading day of year

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks ended midweek on a mixed note, even as major indexes across the continent wrapped up the year with significant gains.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index fell 0.08%, or 0.5 points, to close at 592.28. The index gained nearly 16% during the year 2025.

The UK's FTSE 100 was down 0.09% to end the year at 9,931.38, while climbing 21.5% during the year, and France's CAC 40 fell 0.23% to 8,149.5, while rising 10.4% in 2025.

Spain's IBEX 35 also lost 0.27% to end the day at 17,307.8 points, while surging 49.3% during 2025.

On the other hand, Germany's DAX 40 index was up 0.57% to end at 24,490.41 points, also gaining 22.3% during the year, and Italy's FTSE MIB index added 1.14% to close at 44,944.54, also earning 3.66% in 2025.

On Wednesday, with Saab, Renk, and Rheinmetall finishing between 2% and 3% higher, defense stocks increased for a second day, increasing their yearly gains to between 130% and 193%.