Major European indices close mixed. France’s CAC and Italy’s FTSE MIB close lower

The major European equity indices ended the session with mixed results, with France’s CAC and Italy’s FTSE MIB finishing in negative territory while Germany and Spain posted gains.

Germany’s DAX rose 0.70% to 23,253.09, but the index continues to trade below its 200-day moving average at 23,472.30. A break above that long-term barometer would be needed to shift control more firmly back to the buyers.

France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.29% to 7,959.68, holding between its 50-day moving average at 8,033.91 on the topside and its 100-day moving average at 7,910.43 on the downside. Those levels will frame the battle for directional bias this week.

The UK’s FTSE 100 was nearly unchanged, down 0.05% at 9,534.92, but it did close just above its 50-day moving average at 9,516.61. Holding that level will serve as an important gauge of sentiment in the days ahead.

Spain’s IBEX outperformed, gaining 0.92% to 15,967.81. On Friday, the index found buyers against its rising 50-day moving average at 15,743.12, and today’s rebound off that level keeps the buyers in control. Remaining above the 50-day this week would reinforce the bullish bias.

Italy’s FTSE MIB fell 0.85% to 42,298.18. Today’s low at 42,159.58 briefly pushed the index below its 100-day moving average at 42,171.54, but sellers could not sustain momentum and the close came back above the MA. That 100-day moving average remains the key battleground for directional cues this week.