European stocks closed higher in thin pre-Christmas trade, helped by energy and drug stocks.
Most markets will reopen Tuesday after the Christmas break. The U.K. market, which closed early on Friday, reopens on Wednesday.
The Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 0.9% to 241.83, its fourth gain of the week. The weekly boost of 3.5% was its first weekly increase in three weeks.
U.S. stocks also were firmer as investors cheered a break in the latest Congressional deadlock. In addition, a raft of economic data showed U.S. consumers spending a bit more amid small income gains and low prices. [Read more...]





