European indices mostly lower as year draws to a close

• Most European markets are closed in observance of New Year's Day
• Paris and London will trade for half a session
• Hunter Douglas NV (HDG.NL) stock surges following acquisition news

Those from European markets that are open today started the final trading session of 2021 slightly lower. French CAC 40 fell 0.24%, FTSE 100 is trading 0.30% lower, while the Dutch AEX is down 0.1%. German, Spanish and Italian markets are closed while France and UK will close early therefore investors remain cautious amid thin trading volume and rising number of new COVID-19 cases. French Health Minister Olivier Veran said that due to the record number of new infections it is not appropriate to call the Omicron variant a wave anymore, as it is acting like a tsunami. While studies show that patients with the novelty variant face a lower likelihood of hospitalization, French health authorities still worry that the sheer number of rising cases could overburden the country’s healthcare system. Nevertheless European indices had a superb year, with the FTSE and the DAX recorded gains of 15% for this year, while the French CAC is close to a 30% gain.

FRA40 index pulled back from a fresh all-time high at 7196 pts during today's session. If current sentiment prevails, then downward correction towards psychological support at 7000 pts cannot be ruled out. This level is marked with a lower limit of the 1:1 structure and 23.6% Fibonacci retracement of the upward wave launch in September 2021. Source: xStatiopn5

Company news:

Renault SA (RNO.FR) stock is the best performer on the CAC 40, with 0.5% gain in early trading, while Alstom SA (ALO.FR) fell more than 1.0%. In the U.K., Flutter Entertainment PLC (FLTR.UK) launched today's session 2% lower, while Fresnillo PLC (FRES.UK) stock jumped over1.0%. 

Hunter Douglas NV (HDG.NL) stock surged 69% and hit fresh all-time high following the news that 3G Capital would buy the windows coverings maker for €175/share. 

Hunter Douglas NV (HDG.NL) stock launched today's session with a massive bullish price gap on recent M&A news and hit record high at  €173.00. Source: xStation5