European markets close mixed despite GDP growth

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) – European stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, and four indices posted fresh record high levels, despite gross domestic product (GDP) growing over 2% in the third quarter.

The STOXX Europe 600, which includes around 90% of the market capitalization of the European market in 17 countries, rose 0.84 points, or 0.17%, to close at 489.27 before hitting an all-time high of 490.45.

London’s FTSE 100 fell 24 points, or 0.34%, to end the day at 7,326.

Germany’s DAX 30 was the best performer of the day by climbing 99 points, or 0.61%, to end the day at 16,247, after seeing a record high of 16,266.26 during the session.

France’s CAC 40 rose almost 24 points, or 0.34%, to close at 7,152 and it hit an all-time high of 7,164.27 points during the day.

Italy’s FTSE MIB 30 declined 63 points, or 0.23%, to end the day at 27,804 before posting a new record high of 27,968.91 points earlier.

Spain’s IBEX 35 decreased 55 points, or 0.61%, to close at 9,040.

The euro area's GDP grew 2.2% in the third quarter, compared to the previous quarter, and the EU27 GDP rose 2.1% during that period, according to a flash estimate by Eurostat earlier.

On an annual basis, GDP rose 3.7% in the eurozone and 3.9% in the EU, the data showed.