[Europe Open] Concerns Over COVID Resurgence... Euro Stoxx 50 Down 1.13%

Germany DAX Index Falls 1.11%

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] European stock markets are showing a downward trend in early trading on the 23rd.

As of 6:50 PM Korea time, the Euro Stoxx 50 index is trading at 4,289.80, down 1.13% from the previous close.

At the same time, the UK FTSE 100 index is down 0.39% at 7,227.50, the German DAX index is down 1.11% at 15,936.52, and the French CAC 40 index is down 0.86% at 7,043.79.

European stock markets are declining due to weakened investor sentiment amid a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases in the cold weather.

Investing.com stated, "Austria initiated a shutdown on the 22nd (local time) in response to COVID-19, and experts are concerned that Germany may follow suit."

Jens Spahn, Germany's Health Minister, issued a stark warning, saying, "Contrary to some cynical remarks, by the end of this winter, almost everyone in Germany will either be vaccinated, have contracted and recovered from the disease, or have died."