In France, data showed consumer confidence improved in December, though the CAC 40 index ended almost flat, edging down 0.04 percent, or 3.51 points, to 8,233.92. Britain’s FTSE 100 underperformed, declining 0.74 percent, or 74.52 points, to 10,048.21.

On the corporate front, Thales emerged as the top performer, surging 8.3 percent after announcing the sale of strategic assets. In contrast, Nestlé shares came under pressure amid negative sentiment surrounding product recall concerns.

Overall, European markets appear to be entering a consolidation phase, as investors digest labor market data and reassess the implications of evolving U.S. policy dynamics and global geopolitical risks. (*/rnc)