Major stock indices in Europe trading mixed in ultra low volumes

European stocks opened the last full trading week of the year mixed after two weeks of gains. Indexes traded mixed, as the region's financial sector was under pressure from events in Italy, while business confidence in Germany rose sharply.

The composite index of the largest companies in the region Stoxx Europe 600 down 0.2%, trading volumes have already started to decline with the approach of the European Christmas holidays.

Italian banks are the focus. Monte dei Paschi fell about 7% trying to attract 5 billion euros ($ 5.2 billion), to avoid applying for financial assistance from the state. On Sunday, the bank announced that the offer to institutional investors will be open until Thursday, while the offer to retail investors will be closed on Wednesday.

Deutsche Bank also contributed to the deterioration in sentiment in the European banking sector, resulting, after the lender has agreed to pay more than $ 40 million to settle an investigation.

Outside the region, the mood in the sector also worsened after Ukraine announced its largest bank insolvent.

As shown by the economic data, business confidence in Germany rose in December, reaching its highest level since April 2014. The business confidence index for the German economy, which is calculated Institute IFO, in December rose to 111 points from 110.4 the previous month. Analysts on average had expected an increase to 110.7 points.

At the same time, oil prices mark the rise as investors believe in commitments to reduce production starting in January.

Shares of Danone SA fell 2.8%, as the French company worsened the revenue forecast for the current fiscal year due to the weakness of the Spanish market.

The capitalization of the German manufacturer of roofing materials Braas Monier Building Group jumped 7.6%. The company agreed to the proposal of the American Standard Industries offer, which estimates it at 1.1 billion euros.

Volkswagen shares fell by 0.3%. The automaker's costs in connection with the diesel scandal could rise by another $ 1 billion due to payments on the larger and more expensive vehicles.

At the moment:

FTSE 6996.47 -15.17 -0.22%

DAX 11408.51 4.50 0.04%

CAC 4822.14 -11.13 -0.23%