European shares marked their strongest close in 10 months on Monday, with German shares hitting a record high as relief over long-awaited U.S. coronavirus relief, a Brexit trade deal and a vaccine program lifted spirits in thin holiday trade. The launch of a cross-border European vaccination program on Sunday also fuelled hopes of a pandemic-free second half in 2021 and of a strong economic rebound. The benchmark European stock index rose 0.7 per cent in a fourth straight day of gains, while German stocks ended 1.5 per cent higher at a record peak. Germany's main stock index reached a record high. Among other European bourses, France's CAC 40 index and Spain's IBEX ended 1.2 per cent and 0.5 per cent higher, respectively.

Source: CBC News December 28, 2020 18:11 UTC