European exchanges finish 2023 with double-digit gains

By Ovunc Kutlu

ISTANBUL (AA) - European stocks closed higher Friday to finish 2023 mostly with double-digit gains.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European markets in 17 countries, was up 0.94 points, or 0.2%, at 479.02. The index posted a gain of 12.6% for the year.

The UK’s FTSE 100 rose 10 points, or 0.14%, to close at 7,733 as it increased 3.6% for 2023.

Germany’s DAX 30 added 50 points, or 0.3%, to finish the day at 16,751. It was the best performing index in 2023 with almost a 20% gain.

France’s CAC 40 increased eight points, or 0.11%, to 7,543. The index posted a 16.4% increase for the year.

Italy’s FTSE MIB rose 20 points, or 0.07%, to end the final trading day of 2023 at 30,351 and Spain’s IBEX 35 added 15 points, or 0.16%, to 10,102 at the closing bell.