European averages closed off earlier highs, dragged down by a sharp drop in crude oil prices which largely offset gains in the insurance sector, including 14% rise of Prudential, following a rejection of $30 billion bid from its peer Aviva. Resource stocks, lifted by high metals prices, also provided a boost. The German DAX 30 rose 0.4%, while the French CAC 40 and London FTSE 100 closed slightly below the flat line. |
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