"European Markets Mixed as Next Soars to Record High Amidst JD Sports Plunge"

European stocks saw a slight increase, with the Stoxx 600 index up 0.3%, despite mixed sector performance and previous declines. Retailer Next PLC's shares hit a record high after raising its profit forecast, while JD Sports' shares plummeted by 24% due to disappointing sales and margins. French inflation rose slightly in December, and Euro zone PMI figures indicated continued contraction. U.S. stocks opened mixed, with the Nasdaq falling for a fifth consecutive day. U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak anticipates a general election in the second half of 2024. Shipping giant Maersk's shares climbed despite a JPMorgan downgrade, and China's service sector PMI showed expansion.