European stocks have steadied in early deals today, the final trading day of the year, and are set to record their strongest year of gains since 2013 thanks to a surge among tech stocks and a robust resources sector.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index is flat in percentage terms on the day, while euro zone blue chips have declined 0.1%.
Britain's FTSE 100 hit a new record and is 0.1% higher, while Italian equities declined just 0.2% after the president dissolved parliament yesterday and an election day was scheduled for 4 March.
Overall 2017 has been a positive year for European stocks, fuelled by strong company earnings, a supportive economic backdrop and no major political upsets.
The STOXX is set to end 2017 with a gain of around 8%, its strongest year since 2013. Germany and Italy's benchmarks have been standout performers,rising 13% and 14.7% respectively this year.
Periphery markets have also had a strong year, with Greece's benchmark up more than 24% while Portugal has gained 14.5%.
Britain's FTSE 100 has lagged slightly, rising 6.9% in 2017, as has Spain's IBEX, which is up 7.8%.
Brexit uncertainty has dented sentiment towards UK equities,while a recovering pound has also put pressure on the bluechips' large proportion of overseas earners.
Among sectors, this year has been dominated by a near-20% rise among Europe's tech stocks, closely followed by basic resources.
Chipmaker AMS has been the top-gaining firm on the STOXX, surging 206% in 2017.
Telecoms, retail and media have brought up the rear, with year-to-date losses ranging between 2.2% to 3.7%.
