European stocks hit a record high Friday, buoyed by defence and insurance sectors, ending the year on an optimistic note. The STOXX 600 index saw significant gains, driven by strong performances in banking and aerospace. This surge follows a week of tech-led losses, with investors now favouring European markets over U.S. tech giants amid falling interest rates.
Oil prices fall 1% as investors weigh pause in US strikes on Iran
Oil prices dropped as market participants assessed a pause in US strikes on Iran. Hopes for a diplomatic solution eased concerns about Middle East energy